BX  5145    .B673  1890 

Boss,  Nelson  Riley,  d.  1914 

The  prayer  book  reason  why 


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THE 


PRAYER  ROOK  REASON  WHY, 


A  TEXT  BOOK  OF  INSTR  UCTION  ON  THE 
HISTORY.  DOCTRINES,  USAGES  AND 
RITUAL  OF  THE  CHURCH,  AS  SUG- 
GESTED BY  THE  OFFICES. 


FOR  PAROCHIAL  AND  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  USES. 


THE  REV.  NELSON  R.  BOSS,  M.A. 


Thirty-Fifth  Edition. 


Copyright,  1890,  by  Nelson  R.  Boss. 


NEW  YORK: 
THOMAS  WHITTAKER, 
3-3  Bible  House. 


PREFACE, 


The  design  of  the  following  work  is  to  furnian 
for  parochial  distribution,  and  especially  for  the 
use  of  teachers  and  older  pupils  in  our  Sunday 
Bchools,  a  text-book  of  instruction  on  the  con- 
tents and  use  of  the  Prayer  Book.  The  writer's 
endeavor  throughout  the  work,  aside  from 
familiarizing  the  reader  with  the  meaning  of 
the  Church's  liturgy,  has  been  threefold:  (1)  To 
furnish  concise  and  ready  answers  to  the  popu- 
lar objections  so  commonly  raised  against  the 
Church  and  her  services  by  those  not  familiar 
with  her  ways;  (2)  To  bring  out  clearly  and 
concisely  some  of  the  principles  of  historic 
Christianity  which  distinguish  the  Episcopal 
Church  from  all  other  religious  bodies;  and  (3) 
To  convey,  in  the  briefest  space,  information  on 
the  history,  doctrines,  and  usages  of  the  Church, 
which'  ©very   layman,   and    especially  every 

iii 


PREFACE, 


teacher,  ought  to  have.  The  Appendix,  on  the 
meaning  of  the  colors  and  symbols  used  in 
churches,  is  not  strictly  a  part  of  this  work,  but 
has  been  added  for  the  benefit  of  those  -who 
wish  to  know  what  these  things  signify.  From 
the  expressions  of  interest  and  commendation 
which  the  work  has  elicited  from  those  who 
have  examined  it,  the  writer  is  led  to  believe 
that  it  will  prove  a  substantial  help  in  parochial 
and  Sunday  School  instruction. 
Advent,  1889. 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY, 


FORMS  OF  PRAYER. 

What  is  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer? 
A  book  for  the  use  of  clergy  and  people  in 
public  worship. 
What  does  it  contain  ? 

Prayers  and  Praises  and  selections  of  Holy 
Scripture  for  use  in  public  worship,  and  direc- 
tions how  they  are  to  be  used. 

Why  is  it  called  "Common  Prayer"? 

Because  all  the  worshippers  in  common  par- 
ticipate in  the  prayers  and  praises  and  instruc- 
tions which  the  book  contains,  and  unite  as 
with  one  heart  and  one  mind  in  the  forms  of 
worship  here  provided. 

Why  is  it  proper  and  necessary  to  have  the 
prayers  and  praises  used  in  public  worship  com- 
posed beforehand? 

In  order  that  the  congregation  may  take  part 
in  the  service. 

1 


2 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


How  long  have  precomposed  forms  of  prayer 
and  praise  been  used  in  Christian  -worship  ? 

From  the  earliest  ages.  St.  Ignatius,  a  pupil 
of  St.  John,  speaks  of  the  "  common  prayers  " 
and  the  "constituted  prayers"  used  in  the  Chris- 
tian assemblies,  and  these  expressions  would 
only  be  applicable  to  prayers  written  and  estab- 
lished beforehand. 

Is  the  custom  of  using  set  forms  expressly 
sanctioned  anywhere  in  the  Bible  ? 

Yes;  Numbers  vi.  24-27;  II  Chron.  xxix.  30. 

How  did  our  Blessed  Lord  sanction  the  use 
of  forms  in  public  worship  ? 

(1)  By  being  present,  "  as  was  His  custom," 
in  the  Temple  and  in  the  Synagogues,  where 
"  books  of  forms  "  were  always  used.  (2)  By 
composing  a  form  of  prayer  for  His  disciples  to 
use  (St.  Luke  xi.  2). 

Is  this  a  form  of  prayer  to  be  repeated  verba- 
tim, or  is  it  only  a  model  or  pattern  of  what  our 
prayers  should  be  ? 

It  is  both,  as  we  see  by  comparing  St.  Luke 
xi.  2  with  St.  Matt.  vi.  9. 

Is  it  possible  to  have  common  prayer  without 
using  a  form  ?  No.  The  only  cpuestion  is  whether 
the  form  shall  be  composed  at  the  time  or  be- 
forehand. 

What  authority  have  we  then  for  using  foraia 


OBJECTIONS  TO  FORMS  OF  PRAYER. 


3 


of  prayer  and  forms  of  praise  in  public  wor- 
ship? 

1st.  The  authority  of  the  Bible;  2nd.  The 
example  and  teaching  of  our  Blessed  Lord;  3d. 
The  universal  practice  of  the  Christian  Church 
from  the  earliest  ages. 

Objections  to  Forms  of  Prayer. 
What  objections  do  people  sometimes  urge 
against  using  precomposed  prayers  and  a  form 
of  worship  such  as  we  have  in  the  Prayer 
Book? 

They  say  it  destroys  earnestness  in  devotion 
to  pray  out  of  a  book. 

What  answer  can  you  make  to  this  objection  ? 

1st,  Experience  teaches  us  that  if  we  know 
the  prayers  and  the  praises  beforehand  we  can 
enter  into  their  spirit  with  greater  earnestness 
and  devotion  than  we  can  when  the  minister 
makes  up  a  new  prayer  of  his  own  at  the  mo- 
ment. 

2nd,  The  hymns  which  everybody  uses  and 
the  Psalms  of  David  which  our  Lord  Himself 
used  are  forms  of  prayer  and  praise;  and  if 
precomposed  hymns  do  not  destroy  the  earnest- 
ness of  our  praises  neither  will  precomposed 
prayers  destroy  the  earnestness  of  our  suppli- 
cations. 


4 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Can  you  give  another  answer  to  this  objection 
against  using  forms  of  prayer  ? 

Yes.  The  Lord's  Prayer  is  a  precomposed 
form  which  everybody  uses.  If  we  can  use  that 
without  destroying  the  earnestness  of  devotion, 
(we  can,  of  course,  use  other  forms  with  equal 
earnestness. 

"What  four  reasons  can  you  give  in  favor  of 
forms  of  prayer  ? 

1st,  They  have  always  been  used  in  public 
worship  in  both  the  Jewish  and  Christian 
Churches. 

2nd,  They  are  sanctioned  by  the  practice  and 
precept  of  the  Saviour. 

3rd,  They  have  been  used  habitually,  both  in 
public  worship  and  in  private  devotion,  by  large 
numbers  of  the  wisest  and  holiest  men,  which 
would  not  be  the  case  if  they  were  either  wrong 
or  useless. 

4th.  Many  have  not  the  gift  of  extemporaneous 
prayer,  and  therefore  they  need  this  help. 

Extemporaneous  Prayers. 

What  two  great  objections  are  there  to  using 
extemporaneous  prayers  ? 

1st,  There  is  necessarily  a  uovelty  of  expression 
and  of  ideas  in  extemporaneous  prayers  which  is 
often  a  hindrance  to  the  devotion  of  the  hearers ; 
but  if  they  have  it  before  them  printed  in  a  book 


EXTEMPORANEOUS  PRAYERS. 


5 


they  can  make  it  their  own  prayer  by  repeating  it 
in  their  hearts  with  the  minister. 

2nd,  They  are  frequently  unwise,  rambling 
and  irreverent. 

Is  it  wrong  then  ever  to  pray  extempora. 
neously  ?  i 

Certainly  not:  there  are  times  and  circum- 
stances which  make  it  both  necessary  and  edi- 
fying to  do  so. 

Did  the  Apostles  use  prayer  books  and  a  lit- 
urgy, as  we  do,  when  they  first  preached  the 
gospel ? 

They  piobably  adapted  themselves  to  circum- 
stances, just  as  any  sensible  missionary  to  the 
heathen  would  do  to-day. 

Where  is  the  earliest  form  of  Christian  wor- 
ship mentioned  in  the  Bible  ? 

Acts  ii.  42. 

Where  do  we  find  the  earliest  account  of  the 
form  of  Christian  worship  outside  of  the  Bible  ? 

In  the  Apology  for  Christianity  written  by 
Justin  Martyr  to  the  Emperor  Antoninus  Pius 
about  A.  D.  140. 

Of  .what  does  he  say  Christian  worship  con- 
sisted. 

Meeting  together  on  the  Lord's  day,  reading 
the  writings  of  the  prophets  or  the  Apostles,  a 
sermon  or  exhortation  to  holy  l:*3,  prayer  and 
the  Holy  Communion. 


6 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  PRAYER  BOOK. 

When  and  by  whom  was  this  Prayer  Book  set 
forth  and  established  ? 

In  the  year  1789,  by  the  Bishops  and  Clergy 
and  Laity  of  the  Church,  in  convention  assem- 
bled in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Where  do  you  learn  this  ? 

In  the  act  of  Ratification,  recorded  imme- 
diately before  the  preface  of  the  book. 

What  Prayer  Book  was  used  by  Churchmen 
in  this  country  before  1789? 

The  Prayer  Book  of  the  Church  of  England. 

Why  did  they  use  the  Prayer  Book  of  the 
Church  of  England  ? 

Because  the  Church  in  this  country  was  a 
part  of  the  Church  of  England.  But  when  the 
Colonies  became  independent  of  the  government 
of  England,  it  was  necessary  that  the  Church  in 
this  country  should  also  have  a  separate  organi- 
zation. 

How  did  the  Church  in  the  United  States 
obtain  this  Prayer  Book,  which  was  set  forth  by 
the  Convention  in  1789  ? 

They  took  the  Prayer  Book  of  the  Church  of 
England,  which  had  always  been  used,  and 
altered  it  in  a  few  particulars,  to  suit  the 
altered  circumstances  of  the  Church  in  this 
country. 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND. 


7 


Where  did  the  Church  of  England  get  her 
Prayer  Book,  and  how  long  has  it  been  used  in 
its  present  form  ? 

It  was  derived  and  compiled  from  the  service 
hooks  or  liturgies  which  had  been  used  by  the 
Church  in  England  for  hundreds  of  years.  It 
was  set  forth  substantially  in  its  present  form 
about  300  years  ago,  at  the  time  of  the  English 
Reformation. 

Is  the  Episcopal  Church  in  America  then  a 
new  Church  which  came  into  existence  after  the 
American  Revolution? 

No;  it  is  a  daughter  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, from  which  it  derived  its  ministry  and 
doctrine.  As  we  speak  of  England  as  the 
mother  country  of  the  United  States,  so  we 
speak  of  the  Church  of  England  as  the  mother 
church. 

Origin  of  the  Church  of  England. 
What  was  the  origin  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land? 

It  is  supposed  to  have  been  planted  by  St. 
Paul.  Eusebius  ( A.D.  270)  tells  us  that  St. 
Paul  travelled  to  the  farthest  limits  of  the  West, 
and,  in  the  time  of  Eusebius,  this  is  thought  to 
have  included  the  British  Isles. 

Was  not  the  Christian  Church  first  planted  in 
Britain  by  missionaries  sent  by  the  Pope? 

No;  when  Pope  Gregory  sent  Augustin  with 


8 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


forty  monks  as  missionaries  to  Britain,  A.  D. 
59G,  they  found  the  Church  with  a  valid  minis- 
try, and  sacraments  already  established. 

What  other  evidence  have  we  that  the  Church 
existed  in  Britain  before  the  Pope  sent  his  mis- 
sionaries there? 

The  fact  that  at  the  Council  of  Aries,  A.D. 
314,  also  at  the  Council  of  Sardica,  A.D.  347, 
Bishops  were  present  from  the  Church  in 
Britain. 

If  the  Church  already  existed  in  Britain  why 
did  the  Pope  send  missionaries  there? 

Because  the  heathen  Saxons  had  conquered 
the  country,  and,  having  driven  the  Christian 
Britains  from  their  homes  and  churches,  the 
land  was  in  danger  of  relapsing  into  heathen 
superstition  and  barbarism. 

What  did  tbese  missionaries  do? 

They  labored,  first  alone  and  afterwards  in 
union  with  the  British  clergy,  to  convert  the 
Saxon  conquerors  to  Christianity. 

What  was  the  result  of  these  labors? 

The  Saxons  were  converted ;  the  Roman  and 
British  clergy  working  together  and  holding 
substantially  the  same  faith,  the  two  Churches 
became  united  in  one,  and  by  degrees  the  Pope 
gained  a  controlling  power  over  the  whole. 

Was  the  Roman  Church  at  that  time  cor- 
rupted by  error? 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND. 


9 


No ;  the  chief  errors  of  the  Roman  Church  are 
the  outgrowth  of  later  times. 

To  what  source  then  does  the  present  Church 
of  England  trace  her  origin  ? 

To  the  early  British  Church,  which  was  prob- 
ably established  by  St.  Paul,  and  which  had 
existed  in  Britain  hundreds  of  years  before 
Eoman  priests  ever  set  foot  on  British  soil. 

Is  it  true  then  to  say  that  the  Church  of 
England  is  a  "schism  from  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church?" 

No;  it  is  contrary  to  all  facts.  The  Church 
of  England  is  the  lineal  descendant  of  the  old 
British  Church,  which,  though  brought  for  a 
time  under  the  domination  of  the  Church  of 
Borne,  resumed,  at  the  Reformation,  her  old 
position  of  an  independent  Church. 

Suppose  it  were  true,  as  some  assert,  that 
when  Augustin  came  to  Britain  in  59G,  Chris- 
tianity had  become  extinct,  wh;  ';  would  follow? 

The  present  English  Church  would  owe  its 
origin  to  the  Church  of  Rome. 

Would  this  invalidate  the  claims  or  vitiate 
the  character  of  the  Church  of  England  ? 

Certainly  not.  The  Church  of  Rome,  though 
at  present  in  grievous  error,  is  nevertheless  a 
part  of  the  Church  founded  by  the  Apostles,  and 
any  Church  springing  from  that  source  is  a 
branch  of  the  Apostolic  Church. 


Ill  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Through  what  great  movement  did  the 
Churches  of  Rome  and  England  become  sepa- 
rated from  each  other? 

The  English  Reformation. 

English  Reformation. 

What  is  meant  by  the  English  Reformation  ? 

The  long  struggle  of  the  bishops,  clergy,  and 
laity  in  England  in  the  16th  century  to  free  the 
Church  from  certain  unscriptural  doctrines  and 
practices  which  had  grown  up  during  the  middle 
ages. 

Is  the  Church  of  England  a  new  church  which 
came  into  existence  at  the  time  of  the  Reforma- 
tion? 

No;  it  was  the  same  Church  after  the  Refor- 
mation that  it  was  before,  only  it  was  freed  from 
certain  false  doctrines  and  practices  which  had 
sprung  up  during  the  preceding  centuries. 
The  same  church  buildings  were  used,  and  the 
same  clergy,  with  a  few  exceptions,  ministered  io 
them. 

Is  the  Church  of  England  then  merely  an  off- 
shoot of  the  Church  of  Rome  ? 

No;  it  is  the  Church  of  England  freed  from 
the  accumulation  of  Romish  errors. 

Did  the  Church  of  England  separate  from  the 
Communion  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  at 
the  time  of  the  Reformation  ? 


ENGLISH  REFORMATION. 


11 


No ;  the  Church  of  Kome  separated  from  the 
Church  of  England. 

What  led  to  this  action  on  the  part  of  the 
Church  of  Rome  ? 

The  Bishops  and  Clergy  of  the  Church  in 
England  refused  to  submit  longer  to  the  dicta- 
tion of  the  Bishop  of  Rome,  or  to  acknowledge 
his  authority  in  matters  pertaining  exclusively 
to  the  English  Church,  and,  accordingly,  asked 
the  King  and  Parliament  (1532)  that  obedience 
be  withdrawn  from  the  Sec  of  Rome. 

Was  not  this  a  breaking  of  communion  and 
fellowship  with  the  Church  of  Rome? 

Certainly  not;  it  was  merely  an  assertion  of 
the  Church's  right  to  manage  her  own  affairs 
without  foreign  interference. 

How  was  the  communion  between  the  two 
Churches  finally  broken  off  ? 

By  a  mandate  of  Pope  Pius  V.,  in  1570, 
commanding  all  the  clergy  and  people  of  Eng- 
land who  upheld  the  claims  of  the  Papacy  to 
withdraw  from  communion  with  the  Reformers, 
and  establish  separate  places  of  worship. 

Was  this  mandate  issued  because  of  any  false 
doctrine  held  by  the  Church  of  England,  or 
any  uncertainty  as  to  the  validity  of  her  or- 
ders? 

No;  it  was  issued  because  the  Bishops  and 
Clergy  and  Parliament  of  England  refused  to 


12  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

acknowledge  the  Bishop  of  Rome  as  the  head 
of  the  English  Church. 

On  what  facts  do  you  base  this  statement  ? 

Up  to  1570,  twelve  years  after  the  accession 
of  Queen  Elizabeth,  the  clergy  and  people  of 
England,  both  Reformers  and  Papists,  worship- 
ped together  in  the  same  churches.  In  that 
year  Pope  Pius  V.  made  overtures  to  Elizabeth, 
as  his  predecessor  had  done,  looking  to  a  recon- 
ciliation, and  offered  to  accept  the  Reformation 
and  approve  the  Prayer  Book  if  the  Queen  and 
Clergy  would  acknowledge  the  Papal  suprem- 
acy. On  their  refusal  to  do  so,  the  Pope  issued 
a  bull  of  ex-communication  against  them,  com- 
manding his  adherents  to  separate  from  the 
Church  of  England  and  establish  separate 
places  of  worship. 

How  many  obeyed  this  mandate  ? 

Out  of  the  9,400  beneficed  clergy  in  England 
at  the  time,  less  than  200  gave  up  their  livings. 
The  rest  remained  steadfast  to  the  Church  of 
England  and  the  cause  of  the  Reformation. 

What  do  these  figures  show  ? 

That  the  Reformation  was  a  general  move- 
ment of  the  whole  realm,  and  that  the  present 
Church  of  England  is  a  reformed  national 
Church,  and  not  a  mere  schism  or  split  from 
the  Church  of  Rome. 

Is  there  any  truth  in  the  assertion,  ofte© 


ENGLISH  REFORMATION. 


13 


made,  that  the  Church  of  England  was  founded 
by  Henry  VIII.  ? 

None  whatever.  It  is  an  assertion  that  could 
only  be  made  by  one  ignorant  of  history  or  re- 
gardless of  truth. 

What  part  did  Henry  VIII.  take  in  the  work 
of  Reformation  ? 

His  part  was  purely  political  and  selfish. 
After  his  quarrel  with  the  Pope,  who  refused 
to  grant  him  a  divorce  from  his  lawful  wife, 
Henry  did  all  he  could  to  free  the  realm  and 
Church  of  England  from  the  Pope's  influence 
and  control;  but  in  all  other  respects  he  was  a 
Roman  Catholic  and  held  the  doctrines  of  that 
Church,  to  the  day  of  his  death.* 

How  long  did  it  take  to  complete  and  finally 
establish  this  reformation  of  the  Church  of 
England 

Over  a  hundred  and  thirty  years.  It  began 
about  1527,  during  the  reign  of  Henry  VIII., 
and  was  completed  in  1662,  after  the  death  of 
Queen  Elizabeth. 

Was  the  Reformation  accomplished  peace- 
fully and  without  difficulty  ? 

No;  it  was  only  after  a  long  struggle  and  bitter 
persecutions. 

What  relation  does  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  Statej  bear  to  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land? 

*  Note  t,  page  i£q> 


14  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

The  Church  in  the  United  States  was  planted 
here  by  the  Church  of  England,  and  fostered 
by  her  care  until  the  American  Revolution  made 
it  necessary  for  the  Church  in  this  countiy  to 
have  an  independent  government.  The  Church 
in  this  country  is  therefore  the  daughter  and 
lineal  descendant  of  the  Church  of  England 
having  the  same  doctrine,  ministry,  and  forms 
of  worship. 

The  Episcopal  Church. 

Why  is  the  Church  called  Episcopal  ? 

Because  it  has  an  Episcopal  form  of  govern- 
ment,  i.  e.,  the  chief  ministers  or  rulers  are 
Bishops.  The  name  is  from  the  Greek  word 
"  episkopos,"  meaning  an  overseer. 

What  do  you  mean  when  you  speak  of  a  Bishop 
of  the  Church  ? 

A  lineal  successor  of  the  Apostles  in  the  Epis- 
copal office. 

Are  there  any  other  Churches  beside  our  own 
which  have  Bishops  ? 

Yes;  the  Boman  Catholic,  the  Russian  and 
Greek  Churches. 

Are  the  Russian  and  Greek  distinct  and  sep- 
arate Churches  ? 

No;  though  composed  of  different  national- 
ities, the  Greek,  Russian  and  Oriental  Churche;. 


EPISCOPAL. 


15 


are  generally  classed  together  under  the  name 
of  the  "  Greek  Church.' 

Who  were  the  first  Bishops  of  the  Christian 
Church  ? 

The  Apostles. 

By  whom  were  they  appointed  ? 

By  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  St.  Matt,  xxviii. 
18-20,  St.  John  xx.  21-23. 

Do  the  Bishops  of  the  Church  to-day  hold  the 
same  office  and  authority  that  our  Lord  gave  to 
the  first  Apostles  ? 

They  do;  the  office  and  authority  which  Christ 
gave  to  his  first  Apostles  were  handed  down  by 
them  to  their  successors. 

How  were  this  office  and  authority  transmitted  ? 

By  the  lading  on  of  hands  in  consecration  to 
the  Episcopate.    I  Tim.  v.  22. 

From  whom  then  have  our  Bishops  derived 
their  authority? 

From  Christ,  through  His  Apostles  and  their 
successors. 

What  do  you  mean  then  by  an  Episcopal 
Church? 

A  Church  that  is  governed  by  a  Bishop  who 
traces  his  authority  in  a  direct  fine  back  to  the 
Apostles. 

How  long  was  this  the  only  form  of  govern- 
ment in  the  Christian  Church  ? 


16  THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


It  was  the  only  form  of  government  known  foi 
the  first  fifteen  hundred  years  after  Christ. 

How  many  of  the  Christian  people  in  the 
world  now  hold  to  this  Episcopal  form  of  Church 
government  ? 

It  has  been  estimated  that  there  are  about 
four  hundred  and  twenty-five  millions  of  Chris- 
tians in  the  world  at  the  present  time.  Of 
these,  upward  of  four  hundred  millions,  or  about 
seventeen-twentieths  of  all  the  Christians  in  the 
world,  acknowledge  the  authority  of  this  Apos- 
tolic ministry. 

Is  there  any  other  religious  body  in  the  coun- 
try which  calls  itself  Episcopal '? 

Yes,  the  Methodist  Episcopal. 

What  is  the  difference  between  a  Bishop  in 
the  Methodist  denomination  and  a  Bishop  in  the 
Church? 

The  Bishops  of  the  Church  trace  their  author- 
ity back  through  a  long  line  of  Bishops  to  the 
Apostles.  The  Methodist  Bishops  trace  their 
authority  through  a  period  of  about  an  hundred 
years,  to  the  Kev.  Mr.  Wesley,  who  founded  the 
Methodist  Society. 

Was  Mr.  Wesley  a  Bishop  ? 

No;  he  was  simply  a  presbyter  in  the  Churct 
of  England,  and,  not  being  a  Bishop  himself, 
could  not  confer  the  Episcopal  office  on 
others. 


EPISCOPAL. 


17 


Did  Mr.  Wesley  ever  assume  to  be  a  Bishop, 
or  to  exercise  the  functions  of  the  Episcopate  ? 

No;  he  disclaimed  the  title,  and  severely  re- 
buked some  of  his  followers  in  this  country 
who  first  allowed  themselves  to  be  called 
Bishops. 

Did  Mr.  Wesley  ever  leave  the  Church  oi 
England,  or  encourage  his  followers  to  do  so  ? 

No;  he  lived  and  died  a  devout  communicant 
of  the  Church,  and,  speaking  of  his  society,  de- 
clared that  "  They  who  leave  the '  Church  of 
England  leave  us." 

What  was  the  Methodist  Society  originally  ? 

A  society  organized  within  the  Church  of 
England  by  the  Kev.  Mr.  Wesley,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  reviving  and  deepening  personal  and 
evangelical  piety. 

What  then  must  we  infer  from  these  facts  ? 

That  in  sejjarating  from  the  Church  and  as- 
suming the  titles  pertaining  to  the  Episcopal 
office,  the  Methodist  Society  has  departed  from 
the  teaching  and  intention  of  its  founder.  ( 

Were  there  any  Bishops  in  this  country  before 
the  American  Revolution  ? 

No;  this  country  was  a  mission  field  of  the 
Church  of  England,  and  the  clergy  were  or- 
dained by  the  Bishops  in  England. 

Who  were  the  first  three  Bishops  of  -the 
Church  in  America  ? 


18  THE  PRAYEB  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Bishop  Seabury  of  Connecticut,  Bishop  White 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  Bishop  Provoost  of  New 
York. 

Where  were  they  set  apart  for  this  office  ? 

Bishop  Seabury  was  consecrated  at  Aberdeen 
Scotland,  Nov.  14,  1784.  Bishops  White  and 
Provoost,  at  Lambeth  Chapel,  London,  Eng., 
Feb.  4,  1787. 

Distinctive  Principles  of  the  Church. 

How  does  the  Episcopal  Church  differ  from 
the  religious  bodies  around  her  ? 

In  her  doctrines,  her  ministry  and  govern- 
ment, and  in  her  forms  of  worship. 

You  often  hear  people  speak  of  the  errors 
of  the  Romish  Church;  what  are  some  of  these 
errors  ? 

Claiming  that  the  Pope,  or  Bishop  of  Rome, 
is,  by  divine  right,  the  head  or  supreme  ruler 
of  the  whole  Christian  Church;  claiming  that 
the  Pope  is  infallible  and  cannot  err  in  any 
matter  of  doctrine  or  morals;  teaching  new  dog- 
mas that  are  not  sustained  by  either  Holy  Scrip- 
ture or  the  teaching  of  the  early  church.  * 

What  are  some  of  the  errors  prevalent  among 
the  Protestaut  denominations  ? 
•  Note  a,  page  170. 


DISTINCTIVE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  CHURCH.  19 


There  are  about  two  hundred  different  sects 
in  the  world,  and  each  one  of  them  is  built  up 
on  the  denial  of  some  doctrine  which  the  Church 
has  held  and  taught  from  the  days  of  the 
Apostles.  For  example:  1.  The  Quakers  deny 
the  necessity  and  efficacy  of  the  sacraments 
which  Christ  ordained;  2.  The  Baptists  deny 
that  any  baptism  except  by  immersion  is  valid 
baptism.  They  deny  that  infants  should  be 
baptized,  and  deny  the  privileges  of  church 
membership  and  the  Lord's  Supper  to  all  who 
have  not  been  immersed;  3.  The  Congregation- 
alists  deny  the  divine  authority  of  the  priest- 
hood, and  claim  that  all  ministers  derive  their 
authority  to  preach  and  administer  the  Sacra- 
ments, etc.,  from  the  congregation;  4.  The 
Presbyterians  deny  that  there  is  more  than  one 
iivinely  appointed  order  or  grade  in  the  Chris- 
tian ministry,  5.  The  Unitarians  deny  the  divin- 
ity of  our  Blessed  Lord;  6.  The  Methodists 
deny  the  necessity  and  authority  of  an  Apos- 
tolic ministry;  and  for  these  reasons  separated 
themselves  from  the  Historic  Church. 

What  is  this  breaking  away  from  the  Church 
called? 

It  is  called  schism. 

What  does  "  schism  "  mean  ? 

It  comes  from  a  Greek  word,  meaning  to  rend 
or  separate  or  tear  asunder. 


20  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Why  does  the  Church  look  upon  Schism  as 
wrong  and  sinful  ? 

Because  it  brings  reproach  upon  the  Christian 
name  and  it  delays  the  triumph  of  Christ's 
Kingdom  on  earth  by  dividing  the  forces  which 
ought  to  be  working  together  in  harmony.* 

What  does  heresy  mean? 

It  comes  from  a  Greek  word  signifying  to 
choose  for  one's  self,  and  means  the  wilful  hold- 
ing of  a  religious  belief  contrary  to  the  Cath- 
olic Faith. 

How  then  does  the  Episcopal  Church  con- 
spicuously differ  from  the  religious  bodies  above 
mentioned  ? 

(1.)  She  differs  from  the  Church  of  Rome  in 
that  she  teaches  nothing  as  an  article  of  the 
Faith  and  necessary  to  be  believed  but  what  may 
be  clearly  established  by  an  appeal  to  Scripture 
or  by  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Church. 

(2.)  She  differs  from  the  Protestant  denom- 
inations (a)  in  that  she  has  preserved  the  Ap- 
ostolical succession  of  the  ministry  which  is  es- 
sential to  the  integrity  of  the  Church  and  the 
validity  of  the  Sacraments  ;  (b)  in  that  she  has 
preserved  the  teaching  of  Christ  and  His  Apos- 
tles whole  and  entire  as  held  by  the  Church  in 
primitive  days. 

•Note  3,  page  174. 


DAILY  MORNING  PRAYER. 


Why  is  this  service  called  the  office  for  Daily 
Morning  Prayer  ? 

Because  it  was  intended  to  be  said  daily. 

Where  is  it  said  daily? 

In  Cathedrals,  Colleges,  Seminaries,  etc. 

By  what  name  was  this  office  originally  called  ? 

"Matins,"  from  an  old  Latin  word  signifying 
morning. 

What  is  the  origin  of  this  custom  of  daily 
Morning  and  Evening  Prayer  ? 

It  is  a  custom  derived  from  the  Jewish 
Church,  in  which  the  daily  Morning  and  Even- 
ing Sacrifice  were  enjoined  by  Divine  command. 

With  what  does  the  office  of  Morning  Prayer 
begin  ? 

A  number  of  sentences  from  the  Bible,  to  be 
read  by  the  Minister. 

What  is  the  design  of  these  sentences  ? 

To  encourage  people  to  faith  and  repentance 
and  to  prepare  the  mind  for  holy  worship. 

21 


22 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHT. 


How  did  this  service  originally  begin? 

With  the  Lord's  Prayer.  But  in  1551  these 
sentences,  together  with  the  Exhortation,  Con- 
fession and  Absolution,  were  inserted  as  a  prep- 
aration of  the  hearts  and  minds  of  the  worship- 
pers for  the  service  which  follows. 


Bubrica. 

At  the  beginning  of  these  sentences,  and  fre- 
quently throughout  the  Prayer  Book,  you  find 
certain  directions  to  the  Minister  and  people  in 
fine  print;  what  are  they  called  ? 

Rubrics,  from  the  Latin  word  meaning  "red." 

Why  are  they  called  "rubrics"? 

Because  to  make  them  conspicuous  they  were 
originally  written  or  printed  in  red  letters. 

How  many  of  these  sentences  does  this  first 
rubric  direct  the  Minister  to  say  ? 

One  or  more. 

Why  do  the  people  rise  and  remain  standing 
while  these  sentences  are  being  read? 

Because  they  are  messages  from  God,  ad- 
dressed to  the  people. 

What  comes  next  in  the  service  after  these 
sentences  of  Holy  Scripture  ? 

An  exhortation  to  penitence  and  confession 
based  upon  the  teaching  of  these  sentences. 


THE  GENERAL  CONFESSION.  23 


The  General  Confession. 

What  follows  this  exhortation? 
The  General  Confession. 
How  does  the  rubric  direct  this  Confession 
to  be  made  ? 

By  the  Minister  and  people,  all  kneeling. 

Kneeling. 

Why  are  we  required  to  say  it  kneeling? 

1st,  Because  in  addressing  God  kneeling  is 
the  proper  attitude  to  express  humility  anJ 
reverent  supplication. 

2nd,  Because  a  devout  manner  helps  to 
create  devout  feelings. 

What  authority  have  we  in  the  Bible  for 
kneeling  when  we  pray  ? 

The  example  of  our  Blessed  Lord  and  his 
Apostles  (St.  Luke  xxii.  41,  Acts,  vii.  60,  ix. 
40,  xx.  36,  etc.).  Also  Dan.  vi.  10. 

Is  there  any  example  in  the  Bible  of  persons 
standing  to  pray  ? 

Yes,  it  was  apparently  a  common  custom 
among  the  Hebrews  (St.  Luke  xviii.  11,  13).* 

Is  it  proper  for  people  to  sit  during  the 
prayers  in  public  worship? 

No,  unless  prevented  by  physical  disability, 
they  should  kneel.   Reverence  as  well  as  good 

Note  4,  page  175. 


2-1  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASOX  WHY. 


breeding  requires  us  to  conform  as  nearly  as 
possible  to  the  rules  and  custom  of  the  Church. 

Declaration  of  Absolution. 

What  follows  in  the  Prayer  Book  after  the 
General  Confession? 

The  Declaration  of  Absolution. 

By  whom  is  this  Declaration  made? 

By  the  priest  alone.    (See  the  rubric.) 

When  the  priest  makes  this  Declaration  of 
Absolution,  does  he  pretend  to  forgive  sins  by 
his  own  power  and  volition  ? 

No;  God  alone  has  power  to  do  that. 

What  then  does  tbe  priest  do  here? 

He  is  officially  declaring  the  fact  of  God's  for- 
giveness. 

If  it  is  only  the  declaration  of  a  fact,  then 
why  may  not  any  one  else  besides  the  Priest  or 
Bishop  make  it  ? 

It  is  more  than  the  declaration  of  a  fact ;  it  is 
the  performing  of  an  official  act.  which  no  one 
except  the  regularly  ordained  minister  has  re- 
ceived authority  to  do,  and,  therefore,  if  any  one 
else  does  it  his  act  is  not  valid. 

How  can  you  illustrate  the  difference  between 
a  valid  act  and  an  unauthorized  act? 

If  a  man  has  committed  a  crime  and  has  been 
shut  up  in  prison,  the  governor  of  the  state  may 


DECLARATION  OF  ABSOLUTION. 


pardon  him  out  and  get  him  at  liberty.  He 
may  do  this  by  going  himself  to  release  the 
prisoner,  or  he  may  send  an  officer  to  read  the 
letter  of  pardon.  If  the  message  of  pardon  is 
brought  by  an  authorized  messenger,  who  has 
been  sent  by  the  governor,  then  the  prisoner 
goes  free;  but  if  anybody  else,  whom  the  gov- 
ernor has  not  authorized  to  do  it,  should  come 
and  tell  him  he  was  pardoned  and  might  go 
free,  it  would  avail  nothing.  The  prisoner 
would  not  be  released.  So  it  is  with  those 
who  pronounce  this  absolution.  Any  Chris- 
tian neighbor  may  tell  us  that  God  pardoneth, 
etc.,  or  he  may  pray  that  God  will  par- 
don, etc.  We  may  be  very  glad  to  hear  it,  al- 
though we  knew  it  before.  But  we  feel  very 
differently  when  a  minister  comes  who  has  been 
duly  authorized  and  empowered.  We  know 
that  when  he  declares  our  forgiveness  he  is 
doing  so  as  an  officer  of  God,  who  has  been  sent 
and  empowered  to  do  so,  and  if  we  have  fulfilled 
our  part  of  the  conditions,  i.e.,  if  we  are  truly 
penitent  and  believing,  we  know  that  the  official 
act  of  God's  minister  on  earth  is  ratified  in 
heavem(St.  John  xx.  2J-23 V 


26 


THE  PBATEK  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


The  Lord's  Prayer. 
What  follows  the  Absolution  in  the  Morning 
service '? 

The  Lord's  Prayer. 

Why  is  the  Lord's  Prayer  placed  after  the 
Absolution,  instead  of  before  it  ? 

Because  after  we  have  made  our  confession  to 
Almighty  God,  and  have  received  the  assurance 
of  His  pardon,  we  can  address  Him  as  our 
Father  in  a  higher  sense  than  before. 

Why  is  this  prayer  to  be  found  in  every  Office 
of  the  Prayer  Book  ? 

Because  it  is  the  prayer  which  our  Lord  told 
His  disciples  to  use  (  St.  Luke  xi.  1-2  ) . 

What  does  the  expression  "  daily  bread  "  mean 
in  this  prayer  ? 

Not  only  daily  food  and  all  things  necessary 
for  the  body,  but  also  whatever  is  necessary  for 
the  daily  needs  of  the  soul  (St.  Matt.  iv.  4). 

The  Versicles. 

What  are  the  sentences  called  which  here  fol- 
low the  Lord's  Prayer  ? 

Versicles,  meaning  a  little  verse. 

How  long  have  these  versicles  been  used  in 
the  liturgy  ? 

Fifteen  hundred  years  at  least,  and  probably 
much  longer. 


THE  GLORIA  PATRI — VENITE. 


27 


The  Gloria  Patri. 

What  is  the  following  sentence  called,  begin- 
ning with  the  words,  "Glory  be  to  the  Father?  " 

The  Gloria  Patri,  or  lesser  doxology.  It  is  an 
ascription  of  glory  to  God,  and  an  expression 
of  the  Church's  belief  in  the  co-equality  and  co- 
eternity  of  the  three  Persons  in  the  Blessed 
Trinity. 

What  is  the  origin  of  this  hymn  ? 

It  is  said  to  have  been  first  used  by  St.  Poly- 
carp,  at  the  close  of  his  prayer,  when  he  war 
being  burned  at  the  stake. 

The  Venite. 

What  does  "  venite  "  mean  ? 

It  is  a  Latin  word,  meaning  "  O  come." 

Why  do  this  and  other  canticles  in  the  Prayer 
3ook  have  Latin  titles  ? 

The  Prayer  Book  used  to  be  printed  in  Latin, 
and  when  it  was  translated  into  English,  at  the 
time  of  the  Reformation,  these  Latin  titles  were 
retained  for  convenience,  just  as  the  old  Latin 
titles  are  retained  in  books  of  civil  law. 

How  long  has  this  canticle  been  used  in  the 
public  worship  of  the  Church  ? 

It  has  been  used  in  the  Christian  Church 
more  than  1800  years,  and  by  the  Jews  in  the 
Temple  Service  from  the  time  of  David. 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

The  Psalter. 

What  follows  in  the  Morning  Prayer  after  the 
"  Venite  "  ? 

A  portion  of  the  Psalms  or  Psalter. 

What  does  "  Psalter  "  mean? 

A  Book  of  Psalms.  It  was  the  great  Hymnal 
of  the  Jewish  Church. 

By  whom  were  these  Psalms  written  ? 

By  various  authors,  extending  over  a  period 
of  1000  years,  from  Moses  (Ps.  xc.)  to  Nehe- 
miah.  But  as  nearly  half  of  them  (72)  were 
written  by  David,  the  whole  collection  is  called 
"The  Psalms  of  David." 

How  long  have  they  been  used  in  public  wor- 
ship ? 

More  than  3000  years. 

Why  are  they  so  much  used  in  our  Christian 
worship  ? 

Because  they  contain  a  great  variety  of  devo- 
tion, and  every  one  can  apply  them  spiritually 
to  his  own  experience,  and  use  them  to  express 
his  own  feelings  and  desires. 

Why  does  the  rubric  direct  us  to  say  or  sing 
the  Psalter  standing  ? 

Because  this  attitude  is  expressive  of  the 
lively  interest  and  earnestness  which  we  ought 
to  feel  in  our  acts  of  worship. 

Which  are  the  seven  Penitential  Psalms  ? 

Psslms  6,  32,  38,  51,  102,  130,  143. 


THE  LESSONS. 


29 


Which  are  the  Messianic  Psalms,  and  why  so 
jailed? 

Psalms  2,  16,  22,  40,  41,  45,  69,  72,  110,  118. 
They  are  called  Messianic  because  they  proph- 
esy of  Christ. 

Were  these  Psalms  written  to  be  read  or 
sung? 

To  be  sung. 

When  is  it  proper  to  read  them  ? 
When  they  cannot  conveniently  be  sung. 

THE  LESSONS. 

What  follows  in  the  service  after  the  Psalter  ? 

The  Lessons  from  the  Bible. 

How  many,  and  what  Lessons  are  appointed 
to  be  read  at  the  Morning  and  Evening  Ser- 
vice? 

Two;  one  from  the  Old  Testament  and  one 
from  the  New. 

Why  should  these  lessons  be  read  in  public  ? 

Because,  as  we  learned  from  the  "  exhorta- 
tion," one  object  of  our  coming  together  in 
God's  house  is  to  "  hear  His  most  Holy  Word." 

Why  are  the  lessons  selected  from  both  the 
Old  and  the  New  Testament  ? 

Because  both  are  God's  Word,  from  which  we 
learn  our  Christian  duty  and  God's  will  toward 
us.   Selecting  the  lessons  front  both  Testament* 


30  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

enables  us  to  see  how  the  two  Testaments  agree; 
and  how  things  predicted  in  the  Old  were  ful- 
filled in  the  New. 

What  is  the  Old  Testament? 
•  A  history  of  the  way  in  which  God  prepared 
the  world  for  the  coming  of  Christ. 

By  whom  were  the  Canonical  Books  of  the 
Old  Testament  written  ? 

By  some  twenty-four  different  authors,  ex- 
tending over  a  period  of  more  than  a  thousand 
years. 

What  is  remarkable  about  these  writings  of 
the  Old  Testament  ? 

The  unity  of  thought  and  purpose  in  writings 
by  so  many  different  authors,  and  extending 
over  so  long  a  period  of  time,  is  an  evidence  of 
their  inspiration. 

How  long  was  the  interval  between  the  last 
book  of  the  Old  Testament  and  the  first  book 
of  the  New? 

Nearly  400  years. 

What  is  the  New  Testament  ? 
,   A  collection  of  inspired  writings,  which  con- 
tain all  things  necessary  to  salvation. 

Of  what  does  this  collection  of  inspired  writ- 
ings consist  ? 

It  consists  of  twenty-seven  different  treatises, 
written  on  various  occasions  and  subjects,  by 


THE  LESSONS. 


31 


eight  different  authors,  within  a  period  of  about 
60  years  after  the  Lord's  Ascension. 

What  are  the  four  Gospels  ? 

Four  different  accounts  of  the  life  of  Christ. 

How  did  the  Gospels  come  to  be  written  ? 

At  first  the  story  of  the  Saviour's  life  was  told 
by  the  Apostles  orally.  But  as  time  went  on 
and  the  Apostles  were  passing  away  to  their 
death,  it  became  necessary  to  have  a  written 
record  of  what  He  said  and  did  (See  St.  Luke 
i.  1-5). 

What  does  the  Book  of  Acts  contain  ? 

A  narrative  of  the  wonderful  events  which 
attended  the  organization  of  the  Church  after 
the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Ghost  on  the  Day* 
of  Pentecost. 

What  are  the  Epistles  ? 

Letters  written  by  St.  Paul,  St.  Peter,  St. 
James,  St.  John,  and  St.  Jude,  for  the  guidance 
and  instruction  of  Christian  believers. 

What  is  the  Book  of  Revelation  ? 

A  prophecy  setting  forth  the  final  glory  of  the 
Gospel  dispensation. 

How  much  of  the  Bible  is  read  in  the  public 
worship  of  the  Church  every  year  ? 

Almost  the  whole  of  it,  and  some  parts  of  it 
several  times. 

What  then  may  be  said  of  the  Episcopal 
Church' 


32 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


That  it  is  pre-eminently  a  Bible-reading 
Church,  and  makes  larger  provision  for  instruct- 
ing the  people  in  God's  Word  than  any  other 
religious  body  in  the  world. 

The  Te  Deum. 
"What  follows  in  the  Morning  Service  after 
the  reading  of  the  First  Lesson  ? 
The  Te  Deum. 

What  does  "  Te  Deum  laudamus"  mean? 
"  We  praise  Thee,  O  God." 
Who  is  the  author  of  this  sublime  hymn  of 
praise  ? 

It  is  thought  to  have  been  composed  by 
Hilary,  a  saintly  Bishop  in  France,  about  300 
A.D. ;  some  say  even  earlier  than  this. 

How  long  has  it  been  used  in  the  public  wor- 
ship of  the  Church  ? 

More  than  1400  years. 

What  is  the  notable  peculiarity  of  this  hymn  ? 

It  is  the  loftiest  in  sentiment,  the  grandest  in 
diction,  and  the  fullest  in  doctrine  of  any  Chris- 
tian hymn. 

Why  does  so  large  a  portion  of  the  Church's 
liturgy  consist  of  praise  ? 

Because  praise  and  thanksgiving  are  the  loft- 
iest exercise  of  the  human  heart.  The  more  we 
learn  to  praise  and  bless  God,  the  less  we  shall 


THE  BENEDICITE — BENEDICTUS. 


33 


think  of  self,  and  the  more  bright  and  joyous 
life  becomes. 

The  Benedicite. 
What  does  "  Benedicite  "  mean  ? 
"  Bless  ye." 

Where  do  you  find  this  hymn  in  the  Bible  ? 

It  is  one  of  the  Books  of  the  Apocrypha, 
called  the  Song  of  the  Three  Holy  Children. 

Give  an  account  cf  the  Three  Children — who 
were  they,  and  how  did  they  come  to  be  iw 
Babylon,  and  why  were  they  cast  into  the  fier) 
furnace  ? 

See  Dan  i.  3. 

How  long  has  this  hymn  been  used  in  the 
Christian  Church  ? 

From  the  earliest  ages,  though  we  do  not 
know  when  it  was  first  used. 

Was  it  used  in  divine  worship  before  the 
Saviour's  time. 

Yes;  it  was  used  in  the  Jewish  Church  sev- 
eral centuries  before.  * 

The  Bencdictus. 
From  what  part  of  the  Bible  is  the  "  Benedic- 
tus  "  taken  ? 

St.  Luke  i.  G8-71. 

What  is  the  "  Benedictus,"  and  by  whom  and 
on  what  occasion  was  it  first  uttered  ? 

•  Note  s,  page  176 


34 


THE  riUYEB  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


See  St.  Luke  i. 

How  long  has  this  hymn  been  used  in  the 
public  worship  of  the  Church  ? 
About  1000  years. 

The  Jubilate. 
"What  does  "  Jubilate  "  mean  ? 
"  Be  ye  joyful.' 

By  whom  was  this  Psalm  written,  and  foi 
what  purpose  ? 

It  is  thought  to  have  been  written  by  David, 
to  be  sung  at  a  public  Thanksgiving.  It  has 
been  used  in  the  Church's  liturgy  about  1400 
years. 

Why  do  we  sing  this  song  after  the  Second 
Lesson  ? 

Because  the  Second  Lesson  is  usually  taken 
from  the  Gospel,  and  this  song  of  gladness  ex- 
presses the  feeling  we  should  have  when  we 
have  heard  the  Saviour's  blessed  teaching. 

The  Creed. 
What  is  the  Creed  ? 

A  brief  statement  of  the  truths  of  Holy  Script- 
ure, upon  which  the  Christian  Church  is  built. 

From  what  Latin  word  is  the  name  creed  de- 
rived, and  what  does  it  mean  ? 

From  "  Credo,"  meaning  "  I  believe." 


THE  CREED. 


35 


How  many  forms  of  the  Creed  are  there  in 
the  Prayer  Book  ? 

Two;  the  Apostles'  and  the  one  commonly 
called  the  Nicene  Creed. 

Why  is  the  first  one  called  the  "  Apostles' 
Creed  "  ? 

Because  it  contains  the  doctrines  clearly 
taught  in  the  writings  of  the  Apostles,  and  is 
doubtless  in  substance  the  "form  of  sound 
words  "  and  the  "  faith  once  delivered  to 
the  saints "  spoken  of  by  St.  Paul  and  St. 
Jude. 

From  what  source  was  the  Creed  derived  ? 

It  was  the  belief  of  the  Christian  Church, 
handed  down  by  tradition  from  the  days  of  the 
Apostles. 

"Where  do  we  find  the  first  statement  of  the 
Christian  Creed  or  belief  ? 

In  the  writing  of  Ignatius  (A.  D.  69)  we  find 
the  greater  part  of  the  Apostles'  Creed  exactly 
as  it  is  in  the  Prayer  Book. 

Who  was  Ignatius  and  when  did  he  live  ? 

He  is  said  to  have  been  a  disciple  of  St.  John, 
and  to  have  been  ordained  by  that  Apostle  to 
the  Christian  ministry.  He  was  appointed  Bish- 
op of  Antioch  in  the  year  69  and  was  mar- 
tyred at  Rome  in  the  year  107  or  115. 

We  read  in  books  that  the  churches  of  Je- 
rusalem and  Antioch  and  Ephesus  and  Alexan- 


36 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


dria  and  Rome  each  had  a  Creed;  war  that  the 
Apostles'  Creed  ? 

Yes;  each  Church  had  in  substance  the  same 
creed,  only  in  some  churches  it  was  more  ex- 
panded than  in  others,  and  therefore,  owing  to 
the  want  of  frequent  intercommunication  and  tc 
'the  inexactness  of  oral  tradition,  the  Creed  in 
each  Church  differed  slightly  from  that  of  the 
others. 

How  and  when  were  these  differences  recon- 
ciled? 

By  action  of  the  first  General  Council,  held  at 
Nice  in  Bythinia,  A.  D.  325. 

Is  it  true  then  to  say  that  the  Christian  Creed 
was  the  creation  of  the  Council  at  Nice  ? 

Certainly  not.  The  Bishops  who  came  to  that 
council  did  not  originate  the  Creed,  but  acted 
merely  as  witnesses,  each  one  testifying  as  to 
the  belief  which  had  always  been  held  in  their 
respective  churches. 

What  is  it  that  makes  the  Council  of  Nice 
so  important  and  interesting  ? 

The  fact  that  it  was  the  first  General  Council 
of  the  Church,  after  the  Apostles'  days,  ever  as- 
sembled, and  that  the  most  vital  truth  of  the 
Christian  religion,  i.  c,  the  Divinity  of  our 
Blessed  Lord,  was  here  discussed  and  the  doc- 
trine settled. 


THE  CREED. 


37 


By  whom  was  this  council  called  and  for  what 
purpose  ? 

It  was  called  by  Constantine,  the  first  Chris- 
tian Emperor  of  Rome,  at  the  request  of  many 
Bishops  and  other  distinguished  men,  to  discuss 
and  settle  the  dispute  raised  by  Arius,  a  Pres-s 
byter  of  Alexandria  in  Egypt,  who  denied  the 
true  divinity  of  Christ;  claiming  that  there  was 
a  time  when  He  did  not  exist,  that  He  was 
created  by  the  Father,  and  that  He  was  not  of 
one  substance  with  the  Father. 

How  was  the  dispute  settled  ? 

By  an  appeal  to  Holy  Scripture  and  to 
the  universal  belief  of  the  Church;  those  who 
were  present  testifying  to  what  had  always  been 
held  and  taught  in  the  churches  to  which  they 
belonged. 

How  long  did  the  Council  remain  in  session 
and  who  attended  it  ? 

It  remained  in  session  nearly  three  months, 
and  was  attended  by  over  two  thousand  persons, 
who  came  from  all  parts  of  the  Christian  world 
to  bear  witness  to  the  faith.  Three  hundred] 
and  eighteen  Bishops  were  present,  besides  a 
great  number  of  other  clergy,  among  whom 
were  many  who  had  suffered  and  been  tortured 
in  the  heathen  persecutions. 

Is  there  any  body  of  Christians  in  the  world 


38 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


to-day  who  hold  the  erroneous  belief  of  Ariu& 
and  deny  that  Christ  is  God  ? 
Yes,  the  Unitarians. 

What  is  the  necessity  of  having  a  Creed  ? 

In  order  that  everybody  may  know  exactly 
what  the  fundamental  truths  of  the  Christian 
religion  are. 

Why  do  we  repeat  the  Creed  on  every  occa- 
sion of  public  worship  ? 

(1)  As  an  act  of  devotion  and  loyalty  to  God. 
(2)  That  we  may  always  be  familiar  with  the 
fundamentals  of  the  faith,  and  so  have  a  con- 
stant safeguard  against  error. 

Why  do  we  repeat  it  standing  ? 

Because  this  attitude  is  expressive  of  earnest- 
ness and  readiness  to  defend  our  faith. 

Why  do  some  clergy  and  congregations  turn 
io  the  East  when  they  say  the  Creed  ? 

It  is  a  very  ancient  custom,  adopted  by  the 
early  Christians  to  express  their  faith  in  Christ 
as  the  Sun  of  Eighteousness.  As  the  orb  of  day 
rises  in  the  East  giving  light  to  the  world,  so  it 
was  believed  that  Christ,  who  gives  light  to  our 
souls,  would  appear  in  the  East  at  His  second 
coming. 

Why  do  we  bow  at  the  name  of  Jesus  when 
we  repeat  the  Creed  ? 

(1.)  The  Bible  tells  us  that  every  knee  shall 
bow  at  His  name.    Phil.  ii.  10.  /] 


THE  CBEED. 


39 


(2.)  It  is  an  act  of  reverence,  by  which  we 
show  oar  belief  in  His  divinity. 

(3.)  It  has  been  the  custom  of  the  Church  for 
many  hundred  years,  and  keeping  up  this  cus- 
tom shows  our  historical  continuity  with  the 
early  Church. 

What  does  the  word  "Catholic"  mean  as 
used  here  in  the  Creed  ? 

The  "  whole  "  or  "  universal." 

When  you  say  "  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Catho- 
lic Church,"  do  you  mean  merely  the  Episco- 
pal Church  in  the  United  States  ? 

No,  for  this  is  only  a  local  part  of  the  Univer- 
sal Church  of  Christ. 

Do  you  mean  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  ? 

No,  for  that  is  only  a  part  or  branch  of  the 
Universal  Church. 

Do  you  then  mean  the  Greek  Church  or  the 
Church  of  England  ? 

No,  for  these  are  only  parts  of  the  one  great 
whole. 

What  then  do  you  mean  by  the  Catholic  and 
Apostolic  Church?  f 

I  mean  the  one  great  world-wide  organization 
of  which  these  and  all  other  historical  Churches 
are  part  and  of  which  all  baptized  Christians  are 
members. 

Why  do  you  give  your  allegiance  to  the  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the   United   States  or  the 


40 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Mother  Church  of  England  rather  than  to  any 
other  ? 

Because  these  Churches  hold  and  teach  the 
faith  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  its  purity,  and 
only  teach  the  doctrines  and  maintain  the  prac- 
tices which  have  the  sure  warrant  of  Holy 
Scripture  and  primitive  custom. 

What  is  the  distingushing  mark  of  a  Catholic 
Church  ? 

The  holding  of  the  faith  which  has  been  held 
by  all  branches  of  the  Church  everywhere  and  at 
all  times:  ("quod  semper,  ubique.  ab  omnibus.") 

Why  is  the  Church  call  "  Holy  "? 

The  Bible  tells  us  that  it  is  the  body  of  Christ, 
and  that  the  Holy  Spirit  dwells  in  it.  St.  John 
xv.  1-5;  1  Cor.  xii.  4-14. 

What  is  meant  by  the  word  "  hell "  as  here 
used  in  the  Creed  ? 

It  means  Hades,  or  the  place  of  departed 
spirits;  not  the  place  of  torment  set  apart  for 
the  wicked. 

What  is  meant  by  the  "Communion  of 
Saints  "  ? 

It  means  that  between  all  true  Christians, 
both  on  earth  and  in  Paradise,  there  is  a  bond 
of  fellowship  and  a  community  of  interests,  and 
that  all  have  communion  with  Christ. 

Are  Christians  ca"ed  saints  anywhere  in  the 
Bible? 


THE  NICE  STB  CREED. 


41 


Yes,  repeatedly  in  the  Epistles  to  the  Romans, 
Corinthians,  Ephesians,  etc. 

By  how  many  is  this  creed  accepted  as  the 
standard  of  belief? 

By  nearly  the  whole  Christian  world,  the 
Greek,  Roman,  Anglican,  Gallican,  Spanish  and 
Swedish  churches;  by  Lutherans  and  Calvin- 
ists,  Presbyterians,  Congregationalists,  Meth- 
odists, Dutch  Reformed,  Baptists  and  all  evan- 
gelical denominations. 

If  so  many  Christian  bodies  accept  the  Creed, 
why  are  they  not  all  united  together  in  one 
Church? 

Because  (1 )  they  do  not  all  agree  as  to  the  in- 
terpretation of  some  of  the  articles  in  it;  and 
(2)  because  they  differ  on  some  point  of  doc- 
trine or  practice  not  mentioned  in  th°  Creed. 

The  Nicene  Creed. 

Why  is  this  second  form  of  the  Creed  com- 
monly called  the  jMiccne  Creed? 

Because  it  is  a  paraphrase  of  the  Creed  set 
forth  and  established  by  the  Council  of  Nice 
A.D.  325.  It  was  drawn  up  by  the  Second 
General  Council  of  Constantinople,  A.D.  381, 
as  a  barrier  against  the  doctrines  of  Arms  and 
other  heretical  teachers. 

Is  this  the  same  as  the  Apostles'  Creed? 

Yes;  the  only  difference  is  t|iat  the  truths 


i2 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


contained  in  the  Apostles'  Creed  are  here  set 
forth  with  greater  fulness  and  explicitness,  to 
avoid  the  possibility  of  misunderstanding,  and 
the  clauses  following  the  one,  "  I  believe  in 
the  Holy  Ghost,"  were  added. 

What  does  the  word  "  of  "  mean  in  the  ex- 
^ression  "  God  of  God,  Light  of  Light "  ? 

It  means  "out  of." 

Has  the  formula  of  the  Church's  belief,  as  ex- 
pressed in  these  creeds,  ever  been  altered  or 
added  to  since  the  council  of  Constantinople  ? 

Never,  except  by  tli3  Eoman  Church,  which 
adopted  twelve  new  articles  of  faith  at  the 
Council  of  Trent,  in  15G5,  and  has  added  some 
others  since. 

What  were  some  of  these  new  articles  added 
by  that  Council  ? 

One  declaring  the  authority  of  ecclesiastical 
tradition;  another  belief  in  seven  sacraments: 
another  transubstantiation;  and  others  rela- 
ting to  Purgatory,  prayers  to  the  saints,  etc. 

The  Collects. 

What  follows  in  the  Morning  Service  aftei 
the  Creed  ? 

The  Collects  and  Prayers. 

What  is  meant  by  the  word  "  Collect  "  ? 

A  short,  comprehensive  prayer,  used  in  connec- 
tion with  some  other  part  of  the  Church  service 


THE  COLLECT  FOE  PEACE. 


43 


What  is  meant  by  "  the  Collect  for  the  day  ?  " 

The  short  prayer  which  is  used  in  connection 
with  the  Epistle  and  Gospel  for  a  particular  day 
or  season. 

Why  is  it  called  "  Collect  for  the  day  "  ?  i 
Because  the  sentiment  contained  in  it  is  gen- 
erally collected  or  gathered  from  the  Epistle 
or  Gospel  for  that  day's  service,  or  else  because 
it  is  a  brief  collection  of  things  -ecessary  to  be 
prayed  for. 

Collect  for  Peace. 
What  is  the  first  collect  in  the  Morning  Ser- 
rice  after  the  Collect  for  the  day  ? 
A  prayer  for  peace. 

Why  is  this  collect  placed  first  among  the  coi« 
lects  for  Morning  Prayer  ? 

Because  peace  is  the  greatest  of  earthly  bless- 
ings, and  without  this  all  other  things  would 
be  as  nothing. 

For  what  is  this  collect  distinguished  ? 

Its  wonderful  combination  of  brevity  witb. 
comprehensiveness. 

How  long  has  this  collect  been  used  ? 

More  than  twelve  hundred  years.  It  is  taken 
from  the  service  book  of  Gregory  the  Great, 
about  A.  D.  590. 

Why  is  the  "Amen"  at  the  end  printed  in 
italics? 


H  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


To  indicate  that  it  is  to  be  used  heartily  and 
by  the  people. 

"What  does  the  word  "  Amen  "  mean  ? 

It  is  a  Hebrew  word,  meaning  "so  be  it," 
"  verily." 

Collect  for  Grace. 

What  is  the  origin  of  the  Collect  for  Grace  ? 

It  comes  from  the  Greek  Liturgy,  and  is 
placed  next  to  the  Collect  for  Peace  because 
grace  and  peace  are  joined  together  in  the 
Bible,  and  because  without  grace  we  could  not 
k)ng  enjoy  peace. 

Why  is  this  collect  especially  proper  in  Morn 
ing  Prayer  ? 

Because  we  need  God's  grace  and  protection 
to  shield  us  from  sin  and  danger  during  the  day. 

Prayer  for  Civil  Rulers. 

Why  does  the  Church  require  public  prayers 
«o  be  offered  for  the  President  of  the  United 
States  and  all  others  in  civil  authority  ? 

To  teach  her  people  the  duty  of  loyalty  and 
submission  to  the  civil  rulers,  and  to  secure 
peace  and  righteous  government.  See  I  Tim. 
ii.  2. 

From  what  source  is  this  prayer  derived  ? 
It  is  an  adaptation  of  "  The  Prayer  for  the 
King's  Majesty  "  in  the  English  Book,  but  was 


A  PRAYER  FOR  THE  BISHOPS  AND  CLERGY.  45 


derived  originally  from  the  Sacramentary  of  St. 
Gregory 

A  Prayer  Jor  the  Bislwps  and  Clergy. 
Why  does  the  Church  require  public  prayer 
to  be  offered  for  the  "  Bishops  and  other 
Clergy"? 

To  teach  us  the  duty  of  love,  loyalty,  and 
obedience  to  our  spiritual  governors,  no  less 
than  to  our  civil  magistrates.  See  St.  Matt.  ix. 
38;  I  Thes.  v.  12-13;  Heb.  xiii.  17-18;  II  Thes. 
in.  1-2. 

Instead  of  praying  for  the  Clergy,  what  do 
many  people  do  ? 

Criticise  and  find  fault. 

What  should  we  always  remember  ? 

That  prayer  helps  both  the  minister  and 
those  who  pray  for  him,  and  criticism  injures 
both.  We  can  never  unkindly  criticise  one  for 
whom  we  earnestly  pray,  whether  it  be  our 
pastor  or  any  one  else. 

Prayer  for  All  Conditions  of  Men. 

For  whom  does  the  Church  teach  us  to  pray 
Li  the  prayer  for  all  Conditions  of  Men  ? 

For  the  heathen,  for  all  Christians,  and  for  all 
who  are  afflicted  or  distressed  by  either  trouble, 
Borrow,  sickness,  or  poverty. 

Why  does  the  Church  offer  this  prayer? 


40  THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Because  it  is  the  teaching  of  Holy  Scripture 
and  an  exercise  of  broad  catholic  charity. 

For  what  do  we  "more  especially  pray"  in  this 
collect  ? 

For  the  "holy  Church  universal." 

Who  are  included  in  the  Church  universal? 

All  who  are  baptized  with  water,  in  the  name 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  (See  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  19;  I.  Cor.  xii. 
13,  etc.) 

What  does  the  Church  ask  in  this  petition? 

That  all  who  profess  and  call  themselves 
Christians  may  be  led  into  the  way  of  truth, 
and  hold  the  faith  in  unity  of  spirit  and  in  the 
bond  of  peace. 

What  then  may  this  prayer  be  called?  « 

A  prayer  for  Christian  unity. 

Christian  Unity. 

What  is  meant  by  Christian  unity? 

Oneness  of  purpose,  oneness  of  belief,  and 
oneness  of  organization  ;  like  that  of  an  army  in 
which  there  are  different  regiments  \mder  dif- 
ferent leaders,  with  different  dress  and  different 
tactics,  but  all  organic  parts  of  one  great  whole, 
moving  in  harmony  with  each  other,  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  one  and  the  same  great  purpose. 

Of  what  do  the  various  religious  denomina- 


CHRISTIAN  UNITY. 


47 


tions  remind  us  in  the  present  divided  state  of 
the  Christian  world? 

An  army  in  which  each  different  regiment  is 
fighting  independently  without  regard  to  the  in- 
terest of  the  cause  or  to  the  success  of  any  other. 

How  does  the  Church  look  upon  Christians 
belonging  to  the  various  religious  bodies  not 
organically  connected  with  her  ? 

As  all  belonging  to  the  great  universal  Church 
of  Christ,  by  virtue  of  their  Christian  baptism, 
but  as  being  in  a  state  of  schism,  and  holding 
erroneous  or  defective  belief  on  some  matter  of 
doctrine,  discipline,  or  worship;  also  as  having 
erred  in  perpetuating  divisions  in  the  body  of 
Christ. 

Why  does  the  Church  place  so  much  stress  on 
the  importance  of  Christian  unity? 

(1.)  Because  Christ  prayed  that  His  followers 
might  all  be  one,  and  declared  that  unity  should 
be  the  mark  by  which  the  world  might  know 
that  they  were  His  disciples.  St.  John  xvii.  21.* 

(2.)  Because  nothing  causes  greater  hindrance 
to  the  extension  of  Christ's  kingdom  on  earth, 
and  nothing  does  so  much  to  help  the  cause  of 
infidelity,  as  divisions  among  those  who  profess 
and  call  themselves  Christians. 

What  is  it  that  prevents  unity  between  the 
various  bodies  of  Christians  ? 

•Note  6,  page  176. 


48 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


(1.)  Custom  and  historical  traditions;  (2.)  Denial 
of  some  portion  of  the  Faith  once  delivered  to 
the  Saints;  (3.)  Spiritual  pride. 

"Who  are  they  that  are  doing  most  for  the  res- 
toration of  unity  ? 

Those  who  pray  most  constantly  and  earnestly 
for  it. 

What  steps  did  our  Bishops  take,  in  1886. 
looking  to  the  restoration  of  Christian  unity  ? 

They  set  forth  a  statement  of  four  fundamen- 
tal truths,  as  a  basis  on  which  it  might  be  pos- 
sible for  unity  to  be  restored. 

What  were  they  ? 

(1.)  The  acceptance  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testament,  as  containing  all 
things  necessary  to  salvation,  and  as  the  rule 
and  ultimate  standard  of  faith. 

(2.)  The  acceptance  of  the  Apostles'  Creed  as 
the  Baptismal  symbol,  and  the  Nicene  Creed  as  a 
sufficient  statement  of  the  Christian  faith. 

(3.)  The  two  Sacraments  ordained  by  Christ 
Himself,  i.e.,  Baptism  and  the  Supper  of  the 
Lord,  ministered  with  the  use  of  His  words  of 
institution  and  of  the  elements  ordained  by 
Him. 

(4.)  The  Historic  Episcopate,  locally  adapted 
in  the  methods  of  its  administration  to  the 
needs  of  the  nations  and  peoples  called  of  God 
into  the  unity  of  His  Church. 


CHRISTIAN  UNITY. 


49 


What  is  the  chief  obstacle  to  the  acceptance  of 
this  overture  by  the  Protestant  denominations  ? 

The  acceptance  of  the  Historic  Episcopate. 

Would  it  be  possible  for  the  Church  ever  to 
yield  this  point  ? 

No;  to  do  so  would  be  to  abandon  the  com- 
mission which  Christ  gave  to  His  Apostles,  and 
the  very  thing  which  connects  the  Church  organ- 
ically with  Christ  the  incarnate  Head. 

What  do  people  often  say  respecting  the  im- 
portance of  unity  among  Christians  ? 

That  outward  and  organic  unity  is  of  little 
consequence  so  long  as  we  have  unity  of  spirit. 

What  reply  do  you  make  to  this  ? 

There  can  be  no  true  unity  of  spirit  where 
there  is  outward  disunity.  If  we  have  unity  of 
spirit,  outward  unity  will  follow  as  naturally  as 
the  blossom  follows  the  bud.  The  one  is  the 
natural  and  necessary  consequence  of  the  other. 

What  else  do  people  often  say  ? 

That  "  when  we  get  to  heaven  it  will  make  no 
difference  what  Church  we  belonged  to." 

What  answer  do  we  make  to  this  remark  ? 

We  are  by  no  means  sure  of  getting  to  heaven 
unless  we  abide  in  the  Church,  which  is  the 
body  of  Christ,  and  do  His  will  who  prayed  that 
His  followers  might  all  be  one. 

What  other  remark  is  often  made  disparaging 
the  importance  of  Christian  Unity  ? 


50 


THE  PKAYER  BOOK  KEASON  WHY. 


That  if  we  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  sin- 
cerely, nothing  else  is  required. 

What  reply  do  you  make  to  this  ? 

We  say  that  love  to  Christ  is  undoubtedly  the 
foundation  of  all  true  Christian  character;  but 
if  we  love  Christ  sincerely  we  shall  be  very 
careful  to  keep  His  commandnients  and  to  live 
in  unity  with  His  Church. 

Does  not  our  Lord  sanction  the  divisions  of 
Christians  into  separate  and  independent  bodies 
or  congregations,  when  He  says  "  Where  two  or 
three  are  gathered  together  in  My  name,  there 
am  I  in  the  midst  of  them"  ? 

No;  the  Bible  tells  us  that  there  is  "one  body 
and  one  Spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called  in  one  hope 
of  your  calling,"  and  we  must  never  interpret 
one  part  of  Scripture  so  as  to  contradict  another 
part.  We  must  never  presume  to  claim  Christ's 
promises  if  we  neglect  His  precepts.  How  can 
a  congregation  be  gathered  together  truly  in 
Christ's  name  if  they  are  gathered  together  con  • 
trary  to  the  teaching  of  His  Word,  and  despis- 
ing the  unity  for  which  He  prayed. 

What  else  is  often  said  to  show  that  God 
approves  of  divisions  among  Christian  people  ? 

"  See  how  much  good  they  do,  and  how  they 
flourish.  If  it  were  wrong  to  separate  from  the 
Church,  would  God  bless  them  as  He  evidently 
does." 


GENERAL  THANKSGIVING. 


51 


What  do  we  reply  to  this  ? 

God  blesses  many  people  who  do  wrong  ig- 
norantly,  but  it  does  not  follow  from  this  that 
wrongdoing  is  pleasing  to  God.  He  blesses 
them  for  the  good  that  is  in  them,  not  for  the 
bad.  So  with  the  Christian  denominations;  if 
they  would  use  their  zeal  for  God  in  unity  with 
the  Church,  the  good  done  would  be  far  greater 
than  it  is. 

General  Thanksgiving. 

What  is  the  origin  of  the  General  Thanks- 
giving? 

It  was  probably  compiled  and  placed  in  the 
English  Prayer  Book  by  Bishop  Eeynolds,  in 
1662. 

What  may  we  learn  from  this  Prayer? 
That  gratitude  is  as  much  a  duty  and  as  ac- 
ceptable to  God  as  prayer  is. 

Prayer  of  St.  Chrysostom. 
Why  is  the  prayer  following  the  General 
Thanksgiving  called  the  Prayer  of  St.  Chrysos- 
tom? 

Because  it  was  copied  by  Archbishop  Cran- 
mer  from  an  old  Greek  Liturgy,  believed  to  have 
been  prepared  by  St.  Chrysostom  in  the  4th 
Century. 


52  THK  PHAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Why  are  all  these  prayers  and  thanksgivings 
offered  up  in  the  name  of  Christ? 

Because  Christ  tells  us  that  whatsoever  we 
ask  in  His  name,  and  in  accordance  with  His 
will,  we  shall  receive.  See  St.  John  xiv.  13-14; 
xvi.  24;Heb.  iv.  14-10. 

What  does  it  mean  to  ask  in  the  name  of 
Christ? 

Through  the  mediation  of  Christ.  See  Heb. 
via.  25. 

What  is  the  origin  of  the  Minor  Benediction 
which  follows  the  prayer  of  St.  Chrysostom? 

It  is  taken  from  one  of  St.  Paul's  Epistles, 
and  is  found  in  almost  all  the  ancient  liturgies. 

Why  are  these  petitions  placed  here  in  the 
form  of  short  and  separate  prayers,  instead  of 
being  all  combined  in  one  long  prayer? 

(1.)  It  is  in  accordance  with  ancient  usage; 
(2.)  Giving  a  moment's  respite  to  the  mind  at 
frequent  intervals  helps  to  fix  the  attention 
more  readily  on  the  subject  which  follows. 


EVENING  PRAYER. 


How  does  the  office  of  Evening  Prayer  differ 
from  that  of  the  Morning  ? 

It  has  a  different  Psalter,  different  Lessons, 
different  Canticles,  and  some  different  Col- 
lects. 

By  what  other  name  is  the  Evening  Prayer 
sometimes  called. 

Evensong  or  Vespers. 
What  does  "Vesper"  mean  ? 
Evening. 

Gloria  in  Excelsis. 

What  form  of  praise  does  the  rubric  permit 
us  to  sing  at  the  end  of  the  Psalms,  instead  of 
the  Gloria  Patri  ? 

The  Gloria  in  Excelsis. 

What  does  "Gloria  in  Excelsis"  mean? 

"Glory  be  to  God  on  high." 

What  is  the  origin  of  this  hymn? 

The  first  part  of  it  is  the  song  of  the  angels,  ( St. 

53 


64  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Luke  ii.  14) :  the  second  part  was  added  about 
A.D.  140. 

The  Magnificat. 
What  is  the  first  Canticle  appointed  for  Even- 
song? 

The  Magnificat,  so  called  from  the  first  word 
of  the  hymn,  as  printed  in  the  old  Latin  Prayer 
Book. 

What  is  the  Magnificat  ? 

The  wonderful  song  which  came  from  the  lips 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  after  the  visit  of  the 
Angel  (See  St.  Luke  i.  46). 

Why  is  Mary  called  the  Blessed  Virgin  ? 

Because  God's  Angel  called  her  "  blessed." 

What  should  we  learn  from  this  ? 

Always  to  speak  with  reverence  of  her  whom 
God  has  so  highly  honored. 

What  great  truth  does  this  hymn  set  forth  ? 

The  blessedness  of  being  pure  in  heart,  and 
God's  faithfulness  to  those  who  are  meek  and 
lowly. 

How  long  has  it  been  used  in  the  public  wor- 
ship of  the  Church  ? 
More  than  1300  years. 

With  what  feelings  should  it  inspire  us  to 
think  of  the  antiquity  of  the  prayers  and  praisee 
in  this  book  ? 

With  feelings  of  profound  reverence  for  the 


NUNC  DIMITTIS. 


55 


Church  which  remains  the  same  from  century 
to  century. 

Cantate  Domino. 
What  do  the  words  "Cantate  Domino" mean? 
"  Sing  unto  the  Lord." 
What  is  this  song  ? 

It  is  the  98th  Psalm  of  David,  and  is  one  of  the 
Liturgical  Psalms  used  in  the  Temple  service. 

For  what  is  it  remarkable  ? 

The  striking  boldness  of  its  imagery,  and  its 
lofty  sentiment  of  praise  in  acknowledgment  of 
God's  faithfulness  and  mercy. 

Bonum  Est  Confiteri. 
What  do  the  words  "Bonum  Est  Confiteri  * 
mean? 

"  It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks." 

What  is  this  Canticle  taken  from  ? 

From  the  92nd  Psalm,  which  was  anciently 
sung  in  the  Temple  service.  It  is  an  outburst 
of  gratitude,  and  teaches  "  the  duty,  the  time, 
and  the  manner  of  giving  thanks  for  the  works 
ai  God  and  the  dispensations  of  His  providence. 

Nunc  Dimittis. 
What  is  the  "  Nunc  Dimittis,"  and  on  wha* 
occasion  was  it  first  uttered  ? 
See  St.  Luke  ii  25-32. 


56 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Why  is  it  especially  appropriate  for  the  clos 
ing  canticle  at  Evening  Prayer  ? 

Because  the  duties  of  the  day  are  now  over, 
and  having  seen  and  beard  in  the  services  of 
the  Sanctuary  what  God  has  done  for  our  salva- 
tion, we  may  depart  to  our  homes  satisfied,  the 
hours  of  darkness  reminding  us  that  Christ  it 
the  light  of  the'  souL 

Deus  Misereatur. 
What  do  the  words  "  Deus   Misereatur " 
mean? 

"  God  be  merciful." 

Where  is  this  song  found  in  the  Bible  ? 

In  the  67th  Psalm. 

What  is  the  peculiarity  of  this  song  ? 

It  is  one  of  the  Liturgical  Psalms  used  in 
the  Temple,  and  is  prophetic  of  the  conversion 
of  the  Gentiles,  ("  Nations  "  here  means  "  Gen- 
tiles.") 

Benedic,  Anima  Mea. 
What  do  the  words  "Benedic,  anima  mea'- 
mean  ? 

"  Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul." 

Where  is  this  song  found  in  the  Bible? 

In  the  103rd  Psalm. 

For  what  is  it  remarkable  ? 

Its  fervent  spirit  of  praise. 


COLLECT  FOR  AID  AGaINST  PERILS.  5  l 

A  Collect  for  Peace. 
What  is  the  first  Collect  in  the  Evening 
Prayer  ? 
A  Collect  for  Peace. 

How  does  this  Collect  differ  from  the  Collect 
for  Peace  in  the  Morning  Prayer  ? 

The  Collect  in  Morning  Prayer  is  for  protec- 
tion against  external  foes,  which  assail  us  more 
frequently  in  the  day;  the  Collect  in  Evening 
Prayer  is  a  petition  for  inward  peace  and  tran- 
quility of  heart,  which  none  can  know  save  those 
on  whom  God  bestows  it. 

What  words  of  the  Bible  suggest  this  prayer? 

The  words  of  David  in  the  4th  Psalm,  "  I  will 
lay  me  down  in  peace  and  take  my  rest,  for  it  is 
Thou,  Lord,  only  that  makest  me  dwell  in 
safety." 

For  what  is  this  Collect  remarkable  ?  : 
Its  unsurpassed  beauty  and  instructiveness. 

Collect  for  Aid  Against  Perils. 

What  are  the  two  petitions  in  this  Collect?  ' 

(1.)  That  God  will  dispel  the  darkness  of  the 
night  by  bringing  back  the  morning  light. 
(2.)  That  while  the  night  lasts  He  will  defend  us 
from  its  perils. 

What  is  the  origin  of  this  Collect  ? 

It  is  derived  from  an  ancient  Greek  Liturgy, 
and  is  an  echo  of  the  prayer  of  David  in  the 


58  THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

13th  Psalm,  "  Lighten  mine  eyes  that  I  sleep 
not  in  death." 

What  does  the  expression  "  our  darkness " 
mean  ? 

It  refers  not  only  to  the  darkness  of  the 
physical  world,  but  also  to  our  spiritual  dark- 
ness. 

Why  does  the  prayer  close  with  the  expres- 
sion "  for  the  love  of  Thy  only  Son,  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ "  ? 

This  is  a  tender  appeal  to  the  love  which  God 
bears  to  the  Son,  and  to  us  for  His  sake  who 
took  our  nature  upon  Him;  and  we  feel  that 
what  we  ask  in  this  way  God  will  not  refuse. 

Tlie  Antlicm. 

What  does  the  next  rubric  provide  ? 

That  Evening  Prayer  may  close  here  with  (an 
anthem  and)  such  other  prayer  or  prayers  taken 
out  of  this  Book  as  the  minister  shall  think  fit 


THE  LITANY, 


What  does  "  Litany  "  mean  ? 
A  solemn  form  of  supplication  for  God's  mercy. 
How  did  Litanies  first  come  to  be  used  in  the 
Church? 

They  were  first  used  in  times  of  great  public 
calamity  or  danger;  the  Clergy  and  people 
sometimes  walking  in  procession  through  the 
streets  barefoot  and  repeating  the  suffrages. 
Afterwards  they  were  adopted  into  the  regular 
services  of  the  Church,  for  days  and  seasons  of 
fasting  and  humiliation. 

What  examples  of  litanies  are  there  in  the 
Bible  ? 

See  Joel  ii.  17;  St.  Luke  xxii.  44;  Heb.  t.  7. 

When  and  on  what  days  is  the  Litany  ap- 
pointed to  be  said  ? 

At  Morning  or  Evening  Prayer,  on  Sundays, 
Wednesdays,  and  Fridays.  (See  the  rubric 
"Concerning  the  Service  of  the  Church."^ 

Why  especially  on  these  days? 

53 


60 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Because  these  days  are  associated  with  espe- 
cially solemn  and  important  events,  e.g.,  On  Wed- 
nesday the  compact  was  made  for  our  Lord's 
betrayal,  on  Friday  He  was  crucified,  and  on 
Sunday  He  rose  from  the  dead.  It  is  fitting 
that  these  days  should  be  marked  by  especially 
solemn  and  complete  services. 

How  long  has  this  Litany  been  used  ? 

It  has  been  used  in  England  for  about  twelve 
hundred  years,  and  parts  of  it  much  longer. 

How  was  it  altered  at  the  English  Reforma- 
tion? 

By  leaving  out  the  invocations  to  the  saints. 

Into  how  many  parts  is  the  Litany  divided  ? 

Four;  the  Invocations,  Deprecations,  Inter- 
cessions, and  Supplications. 

What  may  be  said  of  the  Litany  ? 

There  is  no  other  part  of  the  public  service 
of  the  Church  in  which  the  congregation  has  so 
large  a  share,  or  which  breathes  a  more  ardent 
spirit  of  devotion. 

For  what  is  this  Litany  remarkable  ? 

Its  simplicity,  comprehensiveness,  and  solemn 
grandeur 


THE  COLLECTS,  EPISTLES,  AND  GOSPELS. 


What  follows  in  the  Prayer  Book  after  the 
special  prayers  and  thanksgivings  which  follow 
the  Litany  ? 

A  Collect,  Epistle,  and  Gospel  for  every  Sun- 
Jay  and  every  Holy  Day  to  be  observed  during 
the  year. 

By  whom  were  the  Epistles  and  Gospels  first 
selected  and  arranged  ? 

Probably  by  St.  Jerome,  in  the  4th  century. 

To  wbat  service  do  they  belong  ? 

The  Communion  service. 

From  what  source  are  these  Collects  derived? 

The  most  of  them  are  found  in  the  writing 
of  Gregory  the  Great,  who  gathered  them  out 
of  the  old  liturgies  used  during  the  first  four  or- 
five  centuries.  Some  of  them  were  composed 
by  Archbishop  Cranmer  and  his  co-laborers  at 
the  time  of  the  English  Reformation,  and  a  few 
were  composed  afterwards  when  the  English 
Prayer  Book  was  revised. 

61 


62  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Who  was  Gregory  the  Great  ? 

A  learned  and  saintly  Bishop  of  Rome  who 
lived  in  the  sixth  century,  and  by  whose  instru- 
mentality the  Saxons  in  England  were  converted 
to  Christianity. 

The  Epistles. 
What  are  the  Epistles  ? 

Selections  from  the  letters  written  by  the 
Apostles  to  the  Church  in  different  places. 
Sometimes  a  selection  from  one  of  the  Pro- 
phetical books  of  the  Bible  is  used  for  the 
Epistle. 

What  is  the  object  of  these  selections? 
To  bring  before  us  some  special  Christian 
doctrine  or  duty. 

The  Gospels. 

What  follows  the  reading  of  the  Epistle  ? 

A  selection  from  one  of  the  four  Gospels. 

What  do  the  four  Gospels  record  ? 

The  life  and  deeds  of  our  Blessed  Lord;  an 
account  of  His  birth,  His  words  and  miracles, 
His  death,  Resurrection,  and  Ascension,  and  His 
sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father. 

What  is  the  object  of  making  these  selections  ? 

To  bring  before  us  some  special  teaching  of 
Christ,  or  some  event  in  His  life. 


THE  GOSPELS. 


63 


What  is  observable  in  the  Collect,  Epistle, 
and  Gospel  for  each  day  ? 

They  all  three  harmonize  in  teaching  some 
single  truth,  and  each  is  connected  with  the 
other  by  some  golden  thread  of  thought. 

For  what  days  are  these  Collects,  Epistles, 
and  Gospels  appointed  to  be  used  ? 

(1.)  For  Sundays  and  all  days  commemorative 
of  the  principal  events  in  the  life  of  our  Lord: 
the  Annunciation,  Nativity,  Presentation  in  the 
Temple,  Circumcision,  Epiphany,  Transfigura- 
tion, Crucifixion,  Kesurrection,  and  Ascension. 

(2.)  Days  which  mark  the  Church's  holy  sea- 
sons, such  as  Lent,  and  Holy  Week,  and  Pente- 
cost. 

(3.)  Days  commemorative  of  Saints  and  Apos- 
tles. 

How  long  has  it  been  the  custom  in  the 
Church  to  celebrate  these  holy  days  and  seasons? 

J ust  when  they  were  first  observed  is  a  matter 
of  uncertainty,  but  we  know  they  were  solemn- 
ized as  eai-ly  as  the  2nd  century. 

Of  what  does  this  fact  remind  us  ? 

That  the  liturgy  of  our  Church  is  the  richesf 
and  most  ancient  treasury  of  pure  Christian 
devotion  in  the  world. 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE   LORD'S  SUPPER, 
OR  HOLY  COMMUNION. 


Why  is  the  Holy  Communion  looked  upon 
as  the  most  important  and  most  sacred  service 
of  the  Christian  Church  ? 

(1.)  Because  it  is  the  only  recorded  act  of 
public  worship  which  Christ  himself  instituted, 
(2)  Because  it  deals  with  the  most  sacred  and 
vital  interests  of  our  souls. 

What  is  the  design  of  the  first  two  rubrics  at 
the  beginning  of  this  office  ? 

(1.)  To  guard  the  Church  from  scandal,  and  the 
Sacrament  from  profanation,  by  the  presence  of 
notorious  evil  livers  (2.)  To  prevent  wicked  or 
thoughtless  people  from  adding  to  their  sin  by 
coming  unworthily  to  the  Holy  Sacrament. 

Why  is  the  altar  or  holy  table  to  be  covered 
with  a  fair  white  linen  cloth  at  the  time  of  the 
Holy  Communion? 

(1.)  For  decency  and  reverence;  (2.)  To  sym- 
bolize the  purity  of  heart  with  which  we  should 
come  to  the  holy  feast. 
64 


THE  LOBD'S  SLIPPER. 


65 


How  are  the  different  parts  of  this  office 
sometimes  designated  ? 

As  "  Ante-Communion,"  "  Communion  Prop- 
er," and  "  Post-Communion." 

What  is  meant  by  the  Ante-Communion  ? 

All  that  part  which  precedes  the  address  to 
Communicants,  i.  e.,  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  Col- 
lect for  Purity,  the  Commandments,  the  Collect, 
Epistle,  and  Gospel  for  the  day,  the  Creed  and 
Sermon  and  Offertory,  and  the  Prayer  for 
Christ's  Church  Militant. 

What  is  the  Communion  Proper  ? 

The  part  beginning  with  the  Address  to 
Communicants,  and  ending  with  the  Adminis- 
tration of  the  Elements. 

What  is  meant  by  the  Post-Communion  ? 

All  that  part  which  follows  the  administration 
of  the  elements,  i.  e.,  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the 
Prayer  of  Thanksgiving,  the  Hymn,  and  the 
Blessing. 

Are  there  then  in  reality  three  separate  parts 
to  this  office  of  Holy  Communion  ? 

No;  it  is  one  whole  and  complete  office,  and 
these  different  names  are  merely  used  for  con- 
venience, to  designate  the  different  parts  of  the 
on©  office. 

With  what  does  the  office  of  the  Holy  Com- 
munion begin  ? 

The  Lord's  Prayer,  said  by  the  Priest  alone.  * 
*  Ilote  7,  page  178. 


66  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Why  is  the  Lord's  Prayer  especially  proper 
to  be  used  here  ? 

Because  the  Lord  who  instituted  this  holy 
ordinance  was  also  the  author  of  this  prayer.  * 

What  follows  here  after  the  Lord's  Prayer, 
and  why  ? 

A  Collect  for  Purity,  because  the  Bible  tells 
us  that  without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord.  If  we  would  receive  Christ  into  our 
hearts  they  should  be  cleansed  and  purified 
from  all  evil. 

What  follows  the  Collect  for  Purity,  and  why? 

The  Ten  Commandments.  They  are  placed 
here  for  two  reasons:  (1.)  Because  we  promised 
at  our  Baptism  to  keep  these  Commandments, 
and  this  promise  we  solemnly  renew  every  time 
we  come  to  the  Lord's  Supper.  (2.)  To  secure 
the  regular  and  frequent  instruction  of  the  peo- 
ple in  the  moral  law  of  God,  which  is  the  basis 
of  all  right  living. 

What  is  the  response  called  which  here  fol- 
lows each  of  these  Commandments  ? 

The  "  Eyrie  Eleison,"  ("  Lord  have  mercy  upon 
us.")  It  is  taken  from  one  of  the  ancient  Greek 
liturgies. 

What  follows  here  after  the  Ten  Command- 
ments ? 

A  brief  summary  of  the  Divine  law,  in  which 
Christ  condenses  the  substance  of  all  these 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  67 

Commandments  into  two  short  sentences,  set- 
ting forth  our  duty  towards  God  and  our  duty 
towards  our  neighbor. 

What  is  meant  here  by  loving  our  neighbor 
as  ourselves  ? 

It  means  that  we  are  to  be  just  and  unselfish 
towards  them,  and  to  desire  their  welfare  as 
sincerely  as  we  desire  our  own. 

When  Christ  tells  us  here  that  we  are  to  love 
God  with  all  our  heart  and  soul  and  mind,  does 
it  mean  that  we  are  to  feel  sentimental  towards 
Him. 

No;  it  means  that  we  are  to  esteem  God  and 
and  His  love  above  every  other  creature. 

How  may  we  know  that  we  are  loving  God  as 
Christ  here  commands  us  to  do  ? 

Not  by  the  fervidness  of  our  emotions,  but  by 
our  conduct  towards  him.  When  we  make 
His  will  and  His  law  the  supreme  law  of  our 
lives.  (See  St.  John  xiv.  21;  I  John  ii.  5;  I 
John  v.  3.) 

Collect,  Epistle,  and  Gospel 
What  follows  in  the  office  of  Holy  Communion 
after  these  Commandments  ? 

The  Collect,  Epistle,  and  Gospel  for  the  day. 
What  are  the  people  directed  to  say  after  the 
minister  announces  the  Gospel,  and  why  ? 

Glory  be  to  Thee,  O  Lord"    We  say  this 


68  THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


to  express  our  gratitude  to  God  for  the  glad 
tidings  of  salvation  which  the  gospel  brings. 

Why  do  the  people  rise  and  stand  -when  the 
Gospel  is  read  ? 

To  express  their  reverence  for  the  words  of 
Christ,  and  their  readiness  to  execute  His  com- 
mands. 

"What  follows  the  reading  of  the  Gospel  ? 

The  Creed  (unless  it  has  been  said  in  the 
Morning  Prayer  immediately  before) ;  after  this 
comes  the  Sermon,  and  after  this  the  Offertory. 

The  Offertory. 

How  long  has  it  been  the  custom  to  make  an 
offering  at  the  time  of  the  Holy  Communion  ? 

Justin  Martyr,  who  lived  40  years  after  St. 
John  (A.  D.  139),  says  it  was  an  invariable  part 
of  the  service  in  his  day,  and  it  has  been  the 
custom  ever  since. 

Why  is  it  proper  always  to  make  an  offering 
at  the  time  of  Holy  Communion  ? 

Because  giving  is  as  truly  an  act  of  worship 
and  a  part  of  our  Christian  duty  as  praying; 
and  if  we  are  not  willing  to  give  to  God  of  our 
earthly  things,  we  cannot  expect  to  receive  from 
Him  of  heavenly  things. 

What  was  required  of  the  Jews? 

That  when  they  came  before  the  Lord  at  the 
solemn  feasts,  they  should  not  appear  empty, 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 


69 


but  that  every  man  should  give  as  he  was  able, 
(Deut.  xvi.  1G,  17);  and  Christian  people  are 
required  to  do  the  same.    (1  Cor.  xvi.  2.) 

What  does  the  rubric  after  the  Offertory  Sen- 
tences direct  ? 

(1.)  That  the  alms  for  the  poor  and  other 
devotions  of  the  people  (i.  e.,  money,  jewels, 
titles  to  real  estate,  or  whatever  else  the  people 
desire  to  give  to  God  in  the  Offertory,  for  the 
benefit  of  His  Church)  shall  be  collected,  and 
humbly  presented  by  the  priest  and  placed  upon 
the  altar  or  Holy  Table. 

(2.)  That  the  priest  shall  then  place  upon 
the  Table  the  bread  and  the  wine  for  the  Holy 
Eucharist. 

Why  is  this  collection  placed  upon  the  altar 
or  Holy  Table  ? 

To  show  that  it  is  given  to  God  and  conse- 
crated to  holy  purposes. 

Why  do  the  people  rise  when  the  offerings  are 
thus  presented  ? 

(1.)  Because  it  is  their  gift  to  God,  and  by 
rising  they  show  that  they  join  with  the  minis- 
ter, who  acts  as  their  representative  in  present- 
ing it.  (2.)  Because  it  is  the  act  of  reverence 
and  respect  due  from  a  giver  to  one  whom  he 
wishes  to  honor.  In  presenting  our  gifts  to 
God  we  should  not  be  less  respectful  than  we 
would  be  in  presenting  a  gift  to  an  honored 
earthly  friend. 


70 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Prayer  for  the  Church  Militant. 

What  prayer  follows  the  presentation  of  the 
alms? 

The  Prayer  for  the  Church  Militant 

What  does  "militant"  mean? 

It  comes  from  the  Latin  "milito,"  to  be  a  sol- 
dier, and  means  fighting,  contending. 

Why  is  the  Church  called  a  "Militant" 
Church? 

Because  all  baptized  Christians  are  sol- 
diers of  Christ,  whose  duty  it  is  to  fight 
against  sin  and  to  contend  earnestly  for  the 
Faith. 

What  is  meant  by  the  "Church  Triumphant" 
and  the  "Church  Expectant?" 

The  "Church  Triumphant"  means  those  in 
Heaven;  the  "Church  Expectant"  means  those 
in  Paradise,  who  are  waiting  for  their  final  re- 
ward. These  two,  together  with  the  Church 
Militant,  make  up  the  one  great  Church  of  God. 

For  what  is  this  prayer  remarkable  ? 

For  its  wonderful  combination  of  defmiteness 
with  comprebensiveness. 

What  does  it  include  ? 

Intercession  for  (1.)  the  Catholic  or  Uni- 
versal Church;  (2.)  Christian  Eulers;  (3.) 
Bishops  and  Clergy;  (4.)  the  people;  (5.)  the 
sad  and  suffering;  (6.)  a  remembrance  of  those 
in  Paradise. 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 


71 


The  Exhortation. 

What  follows  iu  the  service  after  the  prayer 
for  the  Church  Militant  ? 

An  exhortation  telling  the  people  how  to  pre- 
pare for  a  worthy  reception  of  the  Sacrament. 

What  follows  this  Exhortation '? 

An  invitation  encouraging  the  people  to  come 
with  faith,  i.  e.,  without  misgiving,  to  the  Lord's 
table,  and  to  be  comforted  by  the  assurance  of 
His  love  and  goodness  toward  them. 

What  follows  this  invitation  ? 

An  earnest  confession  to  God  and  prayer  for 
His  pardon  and  grace. 

What  follows  this  confession  ? 

The  Priest  (or  the  Bishop,  if  he  is  present) 
pronounces  the  sentence  of  Absolution.  After 
this  we  have  the  sentences  of  Holy  Scripture 
called  the  "  Comfortable  Words,"  because  they 
bring  us  the  assurance  of  God's  pardon  and 
peace. 

Why  are  these  sentences  read  here  ? 

To  make  tbe  people  feel  and  understand  how 
great  God's  goodness  is  toward  them,  and  so  to 
arouse  their  gratitude  and  love. 

What  are  the  versicles  called  which  follow  the 
"  Comfortable  Words  "  ? 

The  "  Sursurn  Corda,"  which  means  "  Lift  up 
your  hearts." 

What  is  there  remarkable  about  these  words  ? 


72 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


They  were  quoted  by  St.  Cyprian  as  early  as 
252  A.  D.,  and  are  found  in  every  known  lit- 
urgy in  the  world.  Tradition  tells  us  that  they 
were  used  in  the  office  of  Holy  Communion  as 
early  as  the  Apostolic  age  itself. 

What  follows  here  after  the  "  Sursum  Corda  " 
and  other  Versicles? 

An  exalted  hymn  of  praise,  called  the  "  Sanc- 
tus,"  or  "  Trisagion,"  meaning  thrice  holy. 

How  long  has  this  hymn  been  used  in  the 
Church's  worship,  and  what  was  its  origin  ? 

More  than  1500  years.  It  was  heard  by 
Isaiah  700  years  before  Christ,  and  again  by  St. 
John  after  the  Ascension.  See  Is.  vi.  3;  and 
Rev.  iv.  5-11. 

Prayer  of  Humble  Access. 

What  follows  this  hymn  of  the  angels  ? 

The  Prayer  of  Humble  Access,  so  called  be- 
cause of  the  humble  confession  of  unworthiness 
which  the  Priest  here  makes  both  for  himself 
and  as  the  representative  of  the  people  who 
approach  God's  table  with  him. 

For  what  is  the  Prayer  of  Humble  Access  a 
preparation  ? 

For  the  reception  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 
Therefore  in  the  early  English  Prayer  Book  this 
prayer  was  used  very  properly  the  last  thing 
before  partaking  of  the  consecrated  elements. 


THE  LORDS  SUPPER. 


73 


Prayer  of  Consecration. 

What  follows  the  Prayer  of  Humble  Access  ? 

The  Prayer  of  Consecration. 

Of  how  many  parts  does  this  prayer  consist  ? 

Three;  the  Consecration,  the  Oblation,  and 
the  Invocation. 

Whose  words  are  used  in  this  Prayer,  and 
what  are  they  called  ? 

The  words  of  our  Lord,  quoted  by  St.  Paid 
(I  Cor.  xi.  23).  They  are  found  in  every  liturgy 
in  the  world,  and  are  known  as  "  the  Words  of 
Institution." 

When  the  Priest  repeats  these  words  with  the 
Breaking  of  the  Bread,  what  is  it  called  ? 

The  Consecration. 

What  does  "  Consecration  "  mean  ? 

The  act  of  setting  apart  and  devoting  to  a 
sacred  purpose. 

What  is  it  that  is  here  consecrated  and  set 
apart  ? 

The  Bread  and  Wine. 

What  follows  in  this  prayer  after  the  Conse- 
cration ? 

The  Oblation. 

What  is  an  oblation  ? 

Something  offered. 

What  is  it  that  is  here  offered  to  God  ? 
The  Bread  and  the  Wine  which  have  been 
consecrated  and  set  apart  are  here  offered  up  as 


74 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


a  memorial  before  Gocf  of  the  sacrifice  of  Christ. 
What  follows  the  Oblation  ? 
The  Invocation. 

What  does  the  Priest  here  invoke  God  to  do  ? 

To  sanctify  with  His  Word  and  Holy  Spirit 
the  consecrated  elements  which  have  now  been 
offered  up  as  a  memorial  to  God. 

Why  is  God  asked  to  do  this  ? 

That  in  partaking  of  them  we  may  be  par- 
takers of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ. 

Where  does  our  Lord  teach  us  the  necessity 
of  partaking  of  His  flesh  and  blood  ? 

St.  John  vi.  53. 

Where  is  the  Saviour's  body  now? 
In  heaven. 

Is  it  possible  then  to  eat  His  flesh  and  drink 
His  blood  in  any  natural  or  carnal  sense  ? 

No,  we  can  only  do  so  after  a  spiritual  and 
heavenly  manner.  (See  the  28th  Article  of 
Beligion ) 

What  other  sacrifice  is  here  offered  up  ? 
Our  sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving. 
What  is  a  sacrifice  ? 

Something  given  or  offered  up  to  God  as  a 
religious  act. 

What  other  sacrifice  is  offered  besides  our 
praise  and  thanksgiving? 

The  Priest  speaking  in  behalf  of  the  people 
says,  "  We  offer  and  present  unto  thee,  O  Lord 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 


75 


ourselves,  our  souls  and  bodies,  to  be  a  reason- 
able, boly  and  living  sacrifice  unto  tbee." 

Where  in  the  Bible  are  we  told  to  do  this  ? 

Rom.  xii.  1;  I  Cor.  vi.  20. 

The  Administration. 

What  follows  in  the  service  after  the  Conse- 
cration Prayer  is  ended  ? 

A  hymn  is  sung,  and  the  Priest,  after  partak- 
ing of  the  Communion  himself,  delivers  it  to  the 
people  with  the  words  prescribed. 

Why  are  the  people  directed  to  receive  the 
Holy  Communion  kneeling  ? 

It  is  considered  the  more  reverent  way,  and 
reverent  actions  are  best  to  express  reverent 
feelings. 

How  should  the  consecrated  elements  be  re- 
ceived by  the  Communicants  ? 

The  "  bread  "  should  be  received  in  the  palm 
of  the  hand,  never  with  the  fingers.  The  "  cup  * 
should  be  taken  firmly  by  the  stem  with  both 
hands. 

Is  it  proper  to  receive  the  Blessed  Sacrament 
with  gloved  hands. 

No,  it  is  a  mark  of  reverence  to  remove  the 
gloves,  as  we  would  do  if  receiving  a  gift  from 
the  visible  hand  of  Christ. 

What  follows  in  this  service  after  the  people 
have  communicated? 


76 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


The  Cord's  Prayer,  a  prayer  of  thanksgiving, 
and  a  hymn. 

Why  does  the  rubric  direct  that  the  Lord's 
Prayer  shall  he  said  by  both  Minister  and  peo- 
ple, immediately  after  partaking  of  the  Blessed 
Sacrament  ? 

Because  it  is  eminently  fitting,  after  we  have 
received  the  Saviour  into  our  hearts,  that  the 
first  words  which  fall  from  our  lips  should  be 
His  words. 

What  hymn  is  generally  sung  here  ? 

The  hymn  called  "  Gloria  in  Excelsis." 

What  is  the  propriety  of  singing  this  hymn  at 
the  close  of  the  Holy  Communion  ? 

By  singing  a  hymn  we  follow  the  example  of 
our  Blessed  Lord  and  His  disciples,  who  sung  a 
hymn  at  the  close  of  the  first  Eucharistic  feast 
(St.  Matt.  xxvi.  30);  and  by  using  this  hymn  we 
welcome  the  Saviour  to  our  hearts  in  the  same 
words  with  which  the  angels  welcomed  Him  into 
the  world. 

What  does  the  last  rubric  provide  ? 

That  the  people  shall  be  allowed  to  depart 
with  the  blessing  of  the  Priest  or  Bishop. 

Of  what  does  this  remind  us '? 

That  when  our  Lord  took  leave  of  His  disci- 
ples on  the  Mount  of  Olives,  He  blessed  them, 
(St.  Luke  xxiv.  50),  and  the  blessing  which  He 
gave  them  v/as  His  ^eaco;  St.  John  xiv.  27. 


THE  LOEDS  SUPPER. 


77 


How  should  this  blessing  be  received  by  the 
people  ? 

Kneeling,  with  all  imaginable  devotion,  as  com- 
ing from  the  Lord  himself. 

Does  the  blessing  really  come  from  God  ? 

Yes,  the  Minister  is  only  the  instrument  of 
conveying  it.  The  blessing  depends  not  on 
mr.n,  but  upon  the  ordinance  of  God.  Num. 
vi.  22-27. 

What  is  noteworthy  respecting  the  blessing  at 
the  end  of  the  Communion  Office  ? 

It  is  one  of  the  beautiful  features  of  the  liturgy 
of  the  English  Church,  and  is  found  in  no  other 
liturgy  but  hers. 

NATURE  AND  PURPOSE  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

When  and  by  whom  was  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  ordained  ? 

By  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  night  on 
which  He  was  betrayed.  (St.  Matt.  xxvi.  26-30; 
St.  Mark  xiv.  22-26;  St.  Luke  xxii.  14-20;  I 
Cor.  xi.  23-26.) 

By  what  names  is  the  Holy  Communion  desig- 
nated in  the  Bible  ? 

(1.)  The  Breaking  of  Bread,  (St.  Luke  xxiv.  30, 
35;  Acts  ii.  42,  46);  (2.)  The  Communion  of  the 
Body  of  Christ,  (I  Cor.  x.  16);  (3.)  The  Lord's 
Supper,  (I  Cor.  xi.  20.) 


78 


THE  PEAYER  BOOK  EEASON  WHY. 


By  what  other  names  has  it  been  called  in 
later  times? 

The  Eucharist,  the  Mass,  the  Liturgy. 

What  does  the  name  "  Eucharist  "  signify. 

A  joyous  thanksgiving  or  feast  of  gladness. 

What  does  "Mass  "  signify  ? 
/  It  is  probably  derived  from  the  Latin  sentence, 
"Ite,  missa  est,"  with  which  the  congregation 
was  dismissed  in  ancient  times. 

What  does  "Liturgy"  mean? 

It  signifies  the  public  service  of  the  sanctuary. 
The  name  was  probably  given  to  the  communion 
service  because  this  was  the  principal  office  of 
the  day. 

Why  was  this  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
ordained  ? 

"  For  a  continual  remembrance  of  His  death 
and  the  benefits  which  we  receive  thereby."  (See 
the  Catechism.) 

Do  you  mean  by  this  that  the  Lord's  Supper 
is  nothing  more  than  a  memorial  ? 

No,  St.  Paul  says  that  it  is  the  communion  (i  e. 
communication)  of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ. 
(I  Cor.  x.  16.)  If  these  words  are  true,  it  must 
be  something  more  than  a  mere  memorial. 

What  did  our  Lord  say  of  the  bread  and  wine 
which  He  blessed  when  He  instituted  this  Sacra- 
ment. 

"  This  is  my  body  "  and  "  this  is  my  blood," 


NATURE  AND  PURPOSE  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  79 


How  do  we  know  that  our  Lord  was  not  using 
mere  figurative  language  here,  as  He  did  when 
He  said  "  I  am  the  door,"  "  I  am  the  vine  ?  " 

There  is  no  hint  anywhere  that  He  used 
these  words  in  a  figurative  sense.  When  He  said 
"  I  am  the  door,"  "  I  am  the  vine,"  His  disciples 
manifested  no  surprise;  but  when  He  spoke  of 
Himself  as  the  living  bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven,  and  said  to  them,  "  Except  ye  eat  the 
flesh  of  the  Son  of  Man  and  drink  His  blood,  ye 
have  no  life  in  you,"  they  said,  "  This  is  an  hard 
saying;  who  can  hear  it  ?  "    (St.  John  vi.  60.) 

What  then  must  we  think  of  this  Sacrament  ? 

That  it  is  one  of  the  deepest  mysteries  of  the 
Gospel,  through  which  Christ,  in  some  way  un- 
known to  us,  imparts  to  our  souls  the  life  giving 
efficacy  of  His  broken  body  and  His  shed  blood. 

What  is  the  Koniish  doctrine  of  this  Sacra- 
ment? 

That  a  miracle  is  performed  in  the  prayer  q'j 
Consecration,  by  which  the  bread  and  wine  ceaae 
to  be  bread  and  wine,  and  are  converted  into  ihe 
flesh  and  blood  of  Christ. 

What  is  this  change  called  ? 

Transubstantiation.  _ 

What  opinion  does  cur  Church  hold  respecting 
the  doctrine  of  Transubstantiation  ? 

That  it  is  a  presumptuous  and  vain  attempt  to 
explain  a  mystery  which  cannot  be  explained. 


80 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


What  is  the  teaching  of  our  Church  on  this 
subject  ? 

That  no  change  takes  place  in  the  nature  of 
the  elements,  such  as  Transubstantiation  implies, 
but  a  change  as  to  their  purpose  and  efficacy, 
whereby  they  become  to  the  faithful  recipient 
the  sacramental  body  and  blood  of  Christ.  In 
other  words,  the  bread  and  wine  do  not  cease 
to  be  bread  and  wine,  but  become  to  the  faithful 
something  more;  so  that  in  receiving  the  con- 
secrated elements,  we  also  receive  spiritually  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  Christ.  (See  the  Cate- 
chism.) 

What  are  the  four  principal  uses  of  the  Sac- 
ment  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 

(1.)  It  is  the  memorial  Sacrifice  presented  be- 
fore God  of  the  death  and  passion  of  our  Blessed 
Redeemer.  (2.)  It  is  the  divinely  appointed 
means  by  which  our  souls  are  nourished  for  eter- 
nal life.  (3.)  It  is  a  means  by  which  we  confess 
Christ  before  the  world,  (i.)  It  is  a  means  of 
honoring  Christ  by  "  showing  forth  His  death 
till  He  come." 

How  often  should  we  come  to  the  Holy  Com- 
munion ? 

As  often  as  we  have  the  opportunity. 
Why? 

Because,  (1.)  it  is  an  act  of  obedience  to 
Christ's  command.   (2.)  It  is  a  safeguard  against 


NATURE  AND  PURPOSE  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  81 

sin  and  temptation.  (3.)  It  is  a  pledge  of  God's 
love  and  goodness  towards  us. 

How  often  did  the  Christians  in  apostolic  days 
partake  of  this  Sacrament  ? 

Probably  every  Lord's  day  at  least.  Acts  xx.  7. 

What  reason  do  people  often  give  for  not  par- 
taking of  the  Holy  Communion '? 

That  they  are  "  not  good  enough." 

What  reply  does  the  Church  make  to  this 
statement  ? 

The  question  is  not  whether  we  are  good 
enough  or  not,  but  whether  we  desire  to  obey 
Christ's  injunction  and  to  be  better  than  we  are. 

What  other  reason  is  often  given  by  people 
for  not  coming  to  the  Holy  Communion  ? 

That  they  do  not  feel  the  need  of  it. 

What  reply  can  you  make  to  this  excuse  ? 

(1.)  If  Christ  has  commanded  us  to  do  a  certain 
thing;  we  ought  to  obey,  whether  we  feel  the  need 
of  it  or  not.  (2.)  It  is  a  selfish  and  unworthy 
thing  for  people  never  to  come  to  God  except 
when  they  need  something.  Gratitude  for  what 
Christ  has  done  for  us  should  fill  us  with  a 
desire  to  give  something  to  Him,  and  to  honor 
Him  by  our  willing  obedience. 

What  other  reason  do  people  often  give  for 
not  coming  to  the  Holy  Communion  ? 

They  will  not  come  because  they  see  so  many 
unworthy  communicants. 


82 


THB  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Is  this  a  valid  excuse  ? 

No,  other  people's  failure  to  do  right  can  never 
excuse  us  for  neglecting  our  duty. 

What  does  our  Lord  say  to  those  who  look  to 
other  jDeople's  conduct  rather  than  their  own  ? 

See  St.  Matt.  vii.  1-5.    St.  John  xxi.  22. 

"What  other  reason  do  people  often  give  ? 

They  fear  lest  they  should  eat  and  drink  un- 
worthily, and  so  "  eat  and  drink  damnation  to 
themselves."    1  Cor.  xi.  29. 

What  mistake  do  people  often  make  in  read- 
ing this  language  of  St.  Paul  ? 

They  do  not  distinguish  between  doing  a 
thing  worthily  and  being  worthy  to  do  it. 

What  is  the  difference  in  these  expressions? 

"  Worthy  "  is  an  adjective  describing  the  per- 
son; "worthily"  is  an  adverb  describing  the  act 
or  manner  of  doing  the  act. 

Does  St.  Paul  say  we  must  be  "  worthy  "  (i.  e., 
absolutely  holy),  before  we  come  to  the  Holy 
Communion  ? 

No;  if  he  did,  we  could  never  come.  He  sim- 
ply says  we  must  come  worthily,  i.  e.,  in  a  proper 
manner  and  with  right  feelings. 

What  then  is  meant  by  "  coming  worthily  to 
the  Lord's  Supper  "  ? 

Coming  with  penitence,  and  having  in  our 
hearts  a  feeling  of  our  unworthiness,  and  relying 
entirely  upon  the  mercy  of  Christ. 


NATURE  AND  PURFOSE  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  83 


What  would  it  indicate  if  one  should  feel  that 
he  wa3  worthy,  i.  e.,  "  good  enough,"  to  come  to 
this  holy  feast  ? 

It  would  indicate  that  he  was  spiritually  vain, 
and  therefore  unworthy. 

Who  are  they  that  corne  to  the  Lord's  Table 
unworthily  ? 

Only  they  who  come  unthankfully,  or  with  an 
uncharitable  and  unforgiving  spirit. 

What  is  necessary  in  order  that  we  may  come 
worthily  to  the  Holy  Communion  ? 

(1.)  Kepentance  for  our  sins  past;  (2.)  Faith 
in  the  saving  efficacy  of  the  death  and  passion 
of  our  Lord;  (3.)  To  be  in  charity  with  all  men; 
(4)  The  sincere  purpose  to  lead  a  godly  life. 
(See  Exhortation  to  Communicants.) 

What  are  the  great  benefits  of  the  Holy  Com- 
munion? 

(1.)  It  gives  us  help  to  resist  the  power  of  sin 
and  ten^tation;  (2.)  It  unites  us  to  Christ;  (3.) 
It  applies  the  sacrifice  of  the  Cross  to  take  away 
our  sins  and  pleads  that  sacrifice  for  our  pardon; 
(4.)  It  gives  us  the  assurance  of  everlasting  life. 
[St.  John  vl  51-66.  J 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


What  is  Baptism  ? 

(1.)  "  An  outward  and  visible  sign  of  an  in- 
ward and  spiritual  grace  given  unto  us." 

(2.)  A  covenant  or  agreement  whereby  one 
is  made  a  member  of  Christ,  a  child  of 
God,  and  an  inheritor  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven. 

Where  does  the  rubric  say  that  this  service 
for  infant  baptism  is  to  be  used  ? 
Publicly  in  the  Church. 
On  what  days? 

On  Sunday  or  some  Holy  day  or  Prayer  day, 
(or,  if  necessity  require,  on  any  other  day. 
'    At  what  time  in  the  service  is  the  Baptism  to 
be  administered  ? 

Immediately  after  the  Second  Lesson,  at 
Morning  or  Evening  Prayer. 

How  many  Sponsors  are  required  by  the 
rubric  ? 

Three,  where  they  may  bo  had. 
84 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


85 


Why  does  the  Church  require  Sponsors  for 
infants  to  be  baptized  ? 

(1.)  Because  infants  are  not  able  to  act  aDd 
answer  for  themselves.  (2.)  In  order  that  chil- 
dren may  have  the  benefit  of  Christian  care  and 
training. 

May  persons  who  have  not  themselves  been 
baptized  act  as  Sponsors  ? 

No ;  the  nature  of  the  transaction  is  such  that 
no  one  but  a  Christian  believer  could  consist- 
ently fulfill  the  obligations. 

What  three  promises  are  the  God-parents  re- 
tired to  make  on  behalf  of  the  child  ? 

A  promise  of  renunciation,  a  promise  of  obedi- 
ence, and  a  promise  of  belief. 

Are  the  Sponsors  or  God-parents  required  to 
see  that  the  children  fulfill  their  promises  ? 

Yes,  so  far  as  they  reasonably  may ;  but  if  chil- 
dren refuse  to  do  so  in  spite  of  care  and  admoni- 
tion, the  Sponsors  are  not  to  be  held  accountable. 

What  is  the  essential  part  of  Christian  Bap- 
tism ? 

The  application  of  water  to  the  person  bap- 
tized, and  the  use  of  the  words  "  In  the  name 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost." 

Where  does  Christ  enjoin  the  use  of  these 
words  ? 

St.  John  iii.  5;  and  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  19. 


86  THE  PKAYEK  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

How  does  the  rubric  say  the  water  is  to  be 
applied  ? 

By  pouring  or  dipping. 

What  sign  is  used  by  the  minister  when  he 
applies  the  water,  and  why  ? 

The  sign  of  the  cross,  to  symbolize  our  alle- 
giance to  Chiist. 

"What  does  the  minister  say  respecting  the 
child  after  it  is  baptized  ? 

That  it  is  regenerate. 

What  does  regenerate  mean  ? 

Ke-born,  or  born  a  second  time. 

In  what  two  senses  may  the  child  be  said  to 
be  re-born  or  regenerate  when  baptized  ? 

(1.)  As  it  is  brought  first  by  a  natural  birth 
into  the  world  to  live  and  move  among  men,  so 
by  this  Sacrament  of  Baptism  it  is  brought  into 
the  Church,  which  is  in  a  special  sense  God's 
family,  to  live  and  move  among  the  children  of 
God;  (2.)  As  children  receive  from  their  human 
parents  their  physical  endowments,  so  through 
this  second  birth  they  receive  from  God  spirit- 
ual endowments. 

After  the  child  is  baptized,  for  what  does  the 
minister  return  thanks  ? 

That  it  hath  pleased  God  to  regenerate  this 
infant  with  His  Holy  Spirit,  etc. 

What  right  have  we  to  suppose  that  God  has 
done  this  ? 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


87 


Because  this  is  what  we  asked  Him  to  do  in 
the  prayer  used  just  after  the  selection  was  read 
from  the  Gospel.  If  we  believe  what  Christ 
says  in  Matt.  vii.  7-11,  we  cannot  doubt  that  the 
child  has  received  the  blessing  which  we  prayed 
for,  i.  e.,  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

What  does  the  minister  then  say  to  the 
Sponsors  ? 

They  are  to  see  that  the  child  is  brought  up 
to  lead  a  godly  and  a  Christian  life,  and  when  it 
has  reached  years  of  discretion  and  has  been 
sufficiently  instructed,  they  are  to  see  that  it  is 
brought  to  the  Bishop  to  be  confirmed. 

Why  may  a  person  never  be  baptized  more 
than  once  ? 

(1.)  Because  Baptism  is  our  new  birth  into  the 
Church  and  family  of  God,  and  as  there  can  be 
but  one  natural  birth,  so  there  can  be  but  one 
spiritual  birth;  (2.)  To  repeat  it  would  imply  that 
God  had  not  fulfilled  His  promises  at  the  first. 

What  reason  have  we  for  knowing  that 
God  intends  children  to  be  members  of  His- 
Church? 

Because  He  directed  expressly  that  they 
should  be  made  members  of  His  Church  under 
the  old  covenant  (Gen  xvii.  10-23) ;  and  says  the 
new  covenant  is  for  children  also,  (Acts  ii.  39). 

What  other  reason  ? 

The  Apostles  were  commanded  to  go  and 


88  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

baptize  all  nations,  and  children  are  as  truly  a 
part  of  the  nation  as  older  people. 
What  other  reason  ? 

The  example  of  the  Apostles,  who  baptized 
whole  households  and  families.  Acts.  xvi.  15,  33; 
I  Cor.  i.  16.  It  would  not  be  true  to  speak  of 
baptizing  households  unless  the  children  were 
also  included. 

Is  there  any  text  in  the  Bible  showing  con- 
clusively that  children  as  well  as  adults  are  to 
be  baptized  ? 

Yes;  our  Saviour  said  to  Nicodemus,  "Except 
any  one  be  born  of  water  and  the  Spirit,  he  can- 
not see  the  Kingdom  of  God. " 

Why  do  you  say  "  any  one  "  here,  when  in  the 
Bible  the  language  is  "  a  man," — "  except  a  man 
be  born  of  water  and  the  Spirit "  ? 

Because  the  word  used  by  our  Lord  in  the 
original  Greek  means  "  any  one,"  whether  man, 
woman,  or  child. 

Is  there  anything  to  guide  us  in  this  matter 
outside  of  the  Bible  ? 

Yes;  in  almost  all  the  writings  of  the  early 
Fathers,  Infant  Baptism  is  spoken  of  as  one  of 
the  established  customs  of  the  Church. 

Why  do  we  look  upon  the  writings  of  these 
early  Fathers  as  authority  on  this  subject? 

Because  some  of  them  had  been  instructed 
by  the  Apostles  themselves,  and  would  certainly 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


89 


know  what  the  Apostles  believed  and  prac- 
ticed. 

What  does  St.  Clement  say  upon  the  subject 
of  baptizing  children  ? 

He  says,  "Baptize  your  infants,  and  educate' 
them  in  the  knowledge  and  admonition  of  God." 

Who  was  St.  Clement  ? 

He  was  Bishop  of  the  Church  at  Eome  in  the 
time  of  the  Apostles,  and  is  spoken  of  by  St. 
Paul  (Phil.  iv.  3). 

What  does  Irenaeus  say  ? 

"  Christ  came  to  save  all  persons  who  by  Him 
are  born  again  "  (i.  e.,  baptized,)  "  unto  God, 
infants,  and  little  ones,  and  children,  and  youths, 
and  elder  persons." 

Why  would  Irenseus  be  likely  to  know  about 
this? 

He  was  a  pupil  of  St.  Polycarp,  who  says  that 
he  had  conversed  with  St.  John.  Being  so  near 
to  the  Apostles  he  would  know,  of  course,  what 
they  had  taught. 

What  does  Origen  say  ? 

He  says  "  The  Church  received  an  order  from 
the  Apostles  to  give  Baptism  even  to  infants." 

If  it  was  the  will  of  Christ  that  infants  should 
be  baptized,  why  do  we  not  find  some  express 
command  on  the  subject  in  the  New  Testament? 

Because  at  the  time  the  New  Testament  was 
written  it  was  already  tlj.e  established  custom 


90  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


of  the  Church,  and  therefore  there  was  no  need 
of  any  command. 

Do  you  mean  to  say  that  the  Church  existed 
before  the  New  Testament  was  written  ? 

Certainly.  The  Apostles  and  their  co-laborers 
established  the  Church  in  obedience  to  Christ's 
instructions,  (St.  Matt,  xxviii.  20;  Acts  i.  3);  but 
the  writing  of  the  books  of  the  New  Testament 
was  occasioned  by  circumstances  which  subse- 
quently arose. 

Why  are  the  writings  of  the  Fathers  accepted 
as  conclusive  on  certain  matters  which  the  New 
Testament  leaves  undeterminate  ? 

Because  the  Christian  world  receives  the 
books  of  the  New  Testament  as  the  writings  of 
those  whose  names  they  bear,  on  the  testimony 
of  the  early  Fathers  of  the  Church,  who  certify 
that  these  books  had  been  transmitted  to  their 
times  by  the  Churches  which  had  originally  re- 
ceived them  from  the  Apostles;  thus,  in  set- 
tling the  question  of  the  genuineness  of  the 
books  of  the  New  Testament,  all  Christendom 
regards  this  testimony  as  conclusive.  The  same 
Fathers  who  testify  as  to  the  matter  of  fact  re- 
garding the  New  Testament,  also  testify  as  to 
the  matter  of  fact  regarding  the  Baptism  of 
Infants.  If  their  testimony  is  accepted  as  au- 
thoritative and  conclusive  on  so  important  a 
matter  as  the  genuineness  of  the  Bible,  it  must 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


01 


certainly  be  accepted  as  authoritative  and  con- 
clusive in  other  matters  pertaining  to  their  time. 

What  great  Council  of  the  Church  settled  the 
matter  of  Infant  Baptism  beyond  dispute  ? 

The  Council  of  Carthage,  about  261  A.  D. 

What  do  we  learn  from  the  decisions  of  this 
Council  ? 

That  Infant  Baptism  was  the  universal  custom 
in  the  Church  from  the  days  of  the  Apostles. 
If  that  is  true,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  it  is 
in  accordance  with  the  will  of  Christ. 

Some  Objections  to  Infant  Baptism. 

What  objections  do  people  sometimes  make 
to  Infant  Baptism  ? 

They  say  that  according  to  the  words  of 
Christ  (Mark  xvi.  16)  belief  is  necessary  to  Bap- 
tism, and  as  infants  cannot  believe,  they  should 
not  be  baptized. 

How  do  you  answer  this  objection  ? 

If  this  text  teaches  that  infants  cannot  be  bap- 
tized, it  also  teaches  that  they  cannot  be  saved; 
for  it  says  "he  that  believeth  not  shall  ba 
damned."  Another  passage  (II.  Thes.  iii.  10) 
tells  us  that  "if  any  one  will  not  work,  nei- 
ther shall  he  eat."  It  is  evident,  therefore, 
that  these  texts  which  speak  of  believing  and 
working  do  not  refer  tc  infants,  but  to  adults. 

What  other  objection  is  sometimes  urged? 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


That  there  is  no  command  in  the  Bible  to 
japtize  children. 

Is  this  a  valid  objection  ? 

No;  if  the  absence  of  a  direct  command  is 
equivalent  to  prohibition,  it  would  be  wrong  to 
keep  the  Lord's  Day  holy,  or  to  have  family 
prayers,  or  to  admit  women  to  the  Holy  Com- 
munion, for  there  is  no  express  command  to  do 
either  of  these  things. 

What  other  objection  do  people  sometimes 
make  to  infant  baptism  ? 

They  say  that  they  cannot  see  what  good  it 
will  do,  for  a  httle  water  poured  on  the  child 
cannot  cleanse  the  souL 

What  reply  can  we  make  to  this  objection  ? 

No  one  claims  that  the  water  does  this. 
Water  is  but  the  outward  and  visible  sign  of 
the  inward  and  spiritual  grace  given  to  us 
through  this  act  of  obedience.  It  was  not  the 
water  that  cleansed  Naaman,  and  yet  had  he  not 
washed  in  the  water  of  Jordan,  as  the  Prophet 
commanded,  he  would  not  have  been  cleansed. 

What  other  common  objection  do  people 
make  ? 

They  say  that  baptism  can  do  no  good,  be- 
cause many  persons  baptized  in  infancy  grow 
up  to  be  bad  or  ungodly  people. 

What  reply  can  we  make  to  this  objection  ? 

(1.)  If  it  is  a  duty  which  God's  word  enjoins 


PUBLIC  BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS.  93 

upon  us,  our  business  is  to  obey,  whether 
we  can  see  the  good  of  it  or  not.  (2.)  Many 
persons  born  into  this  world  misspend  their 
lives,  but  that  does  not  prove  that  the  gift 
of  natural  life  to  mankind  is  useless.  If  we 
say  it  is  wrong  to  baptize  children  because 
some  of  them  become  bad,  we  might  as  well 
say  that  it  was  wrong  for  God  to  create  man- 
kind because  some  of  the  human  race  become 
bad. 

What  other  reason  do  people  often  give  for 
not  having  their  children  baptized  ? 

They  say  that  they  wish  to  leave  their  chil- 
dren free  to  choose  for  themselves  when  they 
grow  up. 

What  reply  do  we  make  to  this  ? 

(1.)  If  it  is  God's  will  that  children  should  be 
made  members  of  His  Church  through  holy 
baptism,  parents  ought  to  see  that  it  is  done. 
(2.)  If  parents  choose  and  act  for  their  chil- 
dren in  matters  of  worldly  interest,  much  more 
are  they  bound  to  choose  and  act  for  them  in 
spiritual  matters  until  they  come  of  age  to  act 
for  themselves.  (3.)  If  Infant  Baptism  was  an 
apostolic  custom,  and  was  universally  practised  in 
the  Church  for  the  first  fifteen  hundred  years,  it 
seems  incredible  that  any  Christian  could  object  to 
it  now  as  contrary  to  God's  will. 


PRIVATE  BAPTISM  OF  CHILDREN. 

What  does  the  first  rubric  at  the  beginning 
of  this  office  direct  the  Minister  to  do  ? 

Admonish  the  people  that  they  do  not  neg- 
lect to  bring  their  children  to  baptism  as  soon 
after  their  birth  as  possible. 

Why  is  this  direction  given  ? 

(1.)  In  order  that  children  may  be  brought 
into  covenant  relations  with  God,  as  He  com' 
manded  in  the  Old  Testament,  Gen.  xii.  (2.) 
Lest  through  sudden  sickness  the  child  die  un- 
baptized. 

What  do  we  learn  from  this  rubric  ? 

That  the  Church  looks  upon  baptism  as  a  mat- 
ter of  exceeding  importance,  and  therefore  takes 
every  precaution  to  guard  against  its  neglect. 

Why  does  the  Church  look  upon  baptism  as  a 
matter  of  such  great  importance? 

Because  Christ  has  declared  that  none  can 
enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven  without  it  St. 
John  iii.  5. 
94 


PRIVATE  BAPTISM  OF  CHILDREN.  95 

What  does  the  next  rubric  provide  ? 

That  without  great  cause  or  necessity  par- 
ents procure  not  their  children  to  be  baptized 
at  home  in  their  houses,  but  that  they  shall  be 
brought  to  the  Church  ? 

Why  is  this  rule  laid  down  ? 

(1.)  Because  the  Church  is  God's  house,  the 
place  especially  set  apart  and  consecrated  for 
the  public  ministration  of  His  Sacraments;  (2.) 
[n  order  that  others  seeing  this  sacrament  pub- 
Hcly  administered  in  the  Church  may  be  in- 
structed by  the  service  and  be  led  to  follow  this 
Christian  example;  (3.)  Because  greater  decency 
and  solemnity  may  be  had  than  in  any  private 
house. 

What  is  provided  in  the  next  rubric  after  the 
thanksgiving  ? 

That  if  the  child  live  it  shall  be  brought  to 
the  Church,  where  the  sponsors  shall  make  the 
required  promises,  and  the  omitted  portions  of 
the  service  be  said  as  in  the  office  of  public 
baptism.  i 

The  last  rubric  in  this  office  speaks  of  im-, 
mersion  or  pouring;  what  do  we  learn  from  this 
language  ? 

That  the  Church  permits  either  method  to  be 
used. 


BAPTISM  OF  THOSE  OF  RIPER  YEARS. 


In  what  does  the  rubric  at  the  beginning  of 
this  service  say  that  people  are  to  be  instructed 
before  they  are  baptized  ? 

In  the  principles  of  the  Christian  Beligion. 

Where  are  these  principles  of  the  Christian 
Religion  laid  down  and  explained  ? 

In  the  Catechism. 

How  are  people  directed  by  this  rubric  to 
prepare  themselves  for  holy  baptism  ? 

By  prayer  and  fasting. 

"Why  by  prayer  and  fasting  ? 

Because  prayer  and  fasting  are  both  spoken 
of  in  the  Bible  as  means  of  Christian  grace  ? 

What  passage  of  the  gospel  is  appointed  to 
be  read  in  this  service  ? 

The  passage  relating  to  Nicodemus. 

What  does  this  passage  teach  ? 

(1.)  The  necessity  of  a  new  birth  by  water 
and  the  Spirit.    (2.)  The  necessity  of  an  hum- 
ble faith. 
96 


BAPTISM  OF  THOSJi;  OF  IUPElt  YEARS.  97 

What  does  the  Saviour  say  to  Nicodemus  in 
regard  to  the  necessity  of  being  baptized. 

Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the 
spirit  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
Heaven. 

What  else  did  he  say  ? 

He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be 
saved,  and  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned. 

What  do  people  sometimes  infer  from  this 
last  text  ? 

That  baptism  is  not  necessary,  but  only  be- 
lief. 

What  answer  do  you  make  to  this? 

If  a  person  believes  the  Gospel  he  will  of 
course  obey  it  and  be  baptized.  If  he  refuses 
to  be  baptized,  it  is  evident  that  he  does  not 
believe. 

Do  we  infer  from  the  language  of  this  text 
that  all  heathen  people  and  those  who  die  un- 
baptized  shall  be  lost  eternally  ? 

No.  It  only  applies  to  those  who  have  heard 
the  Gospel  and  understand  it  and  yet  from  sin- 
ful motives  of  pride  or  stubborn  self-will  refuse 
to  obey  it. 

What  are  we  taught  in  the  exhortation  fol- 
lowing this  Gospel? 

That  persons  coming  rightly  to  Holy  Baptism 
receive  three  great  benefits;  (1.)  The  remission 


08 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


of  their  sins;  (2.)  The  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost; 
(3. )  The  blessing  of  eternal  life. 

What  must  persons  promise  to  renounce  be- 
fore they  can  be  baptized  ? 

The  Devil  and  all  his  works,  the  vain  pomp 
and  glory  of  the  world,  etc. 

What  do  you  mean  by  the  Devil  ? 

The  spirit  of  evil,  by  whom  we  are  entked  to 
do  wrong. 

What  are  some  of  the  works  of  the  Deril  ? 

Pride,  malice,  lying,  blasphemy,  slander,  cru- 
elty, hypocrisy,  unbelief  and  whatever  is  con- 
trary to  God's  word. 

Why  are  these  called  the  works  of  the  Devil  ? 

Because  it  is  the  evil  spirit  who  entices  men 
to  do  them. 

What  do  you  mean  by  the  pomp  and  glory  of 
the  world  ? 

Ostentatious  display  of  dress  or  wealth  or 
equipage  calculated  to  draw  away  our  hearts 
from  God. 

Is  all  pomp  and  display  sinful  ? 

No:  only  such  as  fosters  human  pride  and 
selfishness. 

What  are  some  of  the  sinful  lusts  of  the  flesh? 
See  Gal.  v.  18-21. 

What  else  is  required  of  persons  to  be  bap- 
tized besides  this  vow  of  renunciation  ? 

That  they  shall  believe  all  the  articles  of  the 


BAPTISM  OF  THOSli  OF  EIPEK  YEABS.  99 


Christian  Faith  as  contained  in  the  Apostles' 
Creed. 

Why  do*s  the  Church  make  this  Creed  the 
standard  of  belief  for  all  persons  desiring  bap- 
tism? 

(1.)  Because  it  is  the  briefest  and  simplest 
statement  of  the  fundamental  truths  of  the 
Christian  religion;  (2.)  Unless  we  accept  these 
truths  we  could  not  be  baptized  in  this  faith. 

What  else  does  the  person  baptized  promise 
to  do? 

To  keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments. 

Where  do  you  find  a  summary  of  God's  holy 
will  and  commandments? 

In  the  Church  Catechism. 

What  is  the  duty  of  the  witnesses  or  God-par- 
ents to  the  persons  baptized  ? 

To  call  upon  them  to  use  all  diligence  to  be 
rightly  instructed  in  God's  word,  and  to  put 
them  in  mind  of  their  baptismal  promise's.  (See 
the  exhortations  at  the  end  of  this  office.) 


MODES  OF  BAPTISM. 


Did  our  Saviour  ordain  any  particular  method 
of  applying  the  water  in  Baptism  ? 
He  did  not. 

What  may  we  infer  from  this  ? 

That  the  quantity  of  water  used  and  the 
method  of  applying  it  are  matters  of  indiffer- 
ence. 

"What  different  methods  have  been  used  ? 

Pouring,  sprinkling,  and  immersing. 

"Why  is  "  pouring  "  the  method  now  generally 
practiced  in  the  Church,  instead  of  other 
methods  ? 

Because  it  appears  to  be  in  harmony  with  the 
language  of  Scripture,  and  has  been  the  general 
custom  of  the  Church  in  all  ages. 

Why  does  the  Church  not  insist  upon  immer- 
sion? 

(1.)  Because  the  Bible  nowhere  teaches  that 
it  is  necessary;  (2.)  Because  the  application  of 
water  is  a  symbolical  act,  and  therefore  the 


101 


quantity  cf  water  used  is  not  important;  (3.)  If 
immersion  wero  insisted  on  as  essential  to  Bap- 
tism, delicate  children  and  invalids  who  could 
not  be  immersed  would  be  excluded  from  the 
Sacrainent. 

What  passage  of  Scripture  is  often  quoted  to 
prove  that  immersion  is  necessary  ? 

The  passage  in  Acts  viii.  38,  which  speaks  of 
Philip  and  the  eunuch  both  going  down  into 
the  water. 

Why  docs  not  this  prove  that  the  eunuch  was 
immersed  ? 

(1.)  Because  one  may  walk  down  into  a  stream 
without  going  far  enough  to  be  immersed;  and 
(2.)  Because  the  Greek  word  "eis,"  here  trans- 
lated "  into,"  frequently  means  nothing  more 
than  "  unto,"  as  in  St.  John  xx.  4.  * 

What  other  passage  is  sometimes  quoted  to 
prove  the  immersion  theory  ? 

St.  John  iii.  23,  where  it  is  said  that  John  was 
baptizing  in  iEnon,  because  there  was  much 
water  there. 

Why  does  not  this  text  apply  ? 

Because  it  is  wrongly  translated.  In  the 
Greek  it  is  not  "  much  water,"  but  "  many 
waters,"  i.  c,  springs. 

Does  not  the  expression  "  buried  with  Christ 
in  Baptism  "  (Rom.  vi.  2),  imply  immersion,  i.  c, 
a  literal  burial  in  the  water  ? 
*  Note  8,  page  178. 


102  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

No;  the  expression  is  figurative,  like  that 
which  speaks  of  c  or  being  "  crucified  with 
Christ."  It  does  not  mean  literal  crucifixion, 
but  a  mortification  of  our  lusts,  which  is  also 
the  meaning  here. 

Does  our  Lord  anywhere  rebuke  this  ten- 
dency to  rely  upon  the  quantity  of  water  used  ? 

Yes  (St.  John  xiii.  10). 

What  may  we  infer  from  this  ? 

That  the  use  of  water  in  Baptism  is  symbol- 
ical, an  outward  and  visible  sign  and  pledge  of 
what  takes  place  within,  and  therefore  a  small 
quantity  answers  the  purpose  as  effectively  as 
whole  rivers. 

Do  not  the  words  bapto  and  baptizo,  in  the 
original  Greek,  mean  "  immersion  "  ? 

The  word  bapto  means  in  two  or  three  in- 
stances to  dip  or  immerse,  but  when  the  Saviour 
speaks  of  Baptism  he  almost  invariably  uses  the 
word  baptizo,  which  means  either  to  pour  or 
dip. 

What  do  we  infer  from  this  ? 

That  in  administering  the  sacrament  of  Bap 
tism  it  is  proper  either  to  pour  or  dip. 

How  was  our  Lord  baptized  ? 

Probably  by  pouring.  Christian  art  as  early 
as  the  3rd  century  represents  Him  as  standing 
in  the  Kiver  Jordan,  and  John  the  Baptist  pour- 
ing water  upon  His  Head. 


MODES  OB  BAPTISM. 


103 


Is  there  any  place  in  the  New  Testament 
where  the  act  of  Baptism  is  described  as  to  its 
mode  ? 

Yes;  our  Saviour  promised  His  disciples  that 
they  should  be  "baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost." 
When  that  promise  was  fulfilled,  we  read  that 
the  Holy  Ghost  was  "poured  out  upon  them." 
(Acts  x.  45.) 

"What  then  do  we  infer  from  these  foregoing 
facts? 

That  the  Church  is  wise  and  tolerant  in  allow- 
ing different  modes  of  applying  the  water  in 
Holy  Baptism.  It  is  not  the  manner  which  she 
looks  upon  as  most  important,  but  the  matter. 
So  long  as  one  is  baptized  with  the  water,  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  as  Christ  commanded,  she  is  willing 
that  every  one  shall  exercise  his  liberty  as  to  the 
mode. 


THE  CATECHISM. 


What  does  the  -word  "  catechism  "  mean  ? 
A  form  of  instruction  by  question  and  answer. 
How  long  has  this  method  of  instruction  been 
practiced  ? 

In  all  ages,  both  among  Jews  and  Christians. 
What  does  Josephus  tell  us  concerning  the 
Jews? 

That  they  were  above  all  things  careful  that 
then-  children  should  be  instructed  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  then-  religion. 

By  whom  was  this  duty  imposed  ? 

By  God  himself  (Deut.  vi.  7). 

When  was  this  Catechism  set  forth  in  its  pres- 
ent form  ? 

The  first  part  was  set  forth  at  the  time  of  the 
English  Reformation,  1549;  the  last  part,  on  the 
Sacraments,  a  few  years  later. 

Is  this  Catechism  set  forth  by  the  Church  as 
a  full  and  complete  system  of  Christian  doc- 
trine1? 

J  04 


THE  CATECHISM. 


105 


No;  it  is  only  a  brief  treatise  on  the  rudi- 
ments or  great  fundamental  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel,  in  which  every  Christian  ought  to  be 
instructed. 

What  does  it  contain  ? 

(1.)  A  brief  explication  of  the  baptismal  vow, 
and  the  duties  which  it  involves.  (2.)  A  sum- 
mary of  the  teaching  contained  in  the  Creed, 
the  Ten  Commandments,  and  the  Lord's  Prayer. 
(3.)  A  brief  explication  of  the  two  great  sacra- 
ments. 

What  is  the  peculiar  excellence  of  this  Cate- 
chism ? 

For  clearness,  conciseness,  and  practical  worth 
it  excels  all  other  catechisms  in  the  world.  It 
is  so  brief  that  a  child  can  learn  it,  and  so  com- 
prehensive that  it  contains  all  that  is  necessary 
to  be  known  in  order  to  salvation. 

What  does  the  rubric  at  the  end  of  this  Cate- 
chism require  the  Minister  to  do  ? 

To  instruct  the  children  of  his  parish  publicly 
in  the  Catechism. 

What  is  required  of  parents  and  those  who 
have  the  care  of  children  ? 

To  send  them  to  the  Church  to  be  instructed, 
and  then  presented  to  the  Bishop  to  be  con- 
firmed. 


CONFIRMATION. 


To  whom  is  Confirmation  to  be  administered? 

To  such  as  have  been  baptized  and  have  come 
to  years  of  discretion.  (See  title  at  the  begin- 
ning of  this  office.) 

Who  only  are  to  be  admitted  to  Confirmation? 

Only  such  as  can  answer  the  questions  con- 
tained in  the  Catechism  and  are  willing  to  renew 
and  ratify  the  promises  made  at  their  baptism. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  "  Confirm"? 

To  make  strong. 

Who  are  the  two  parties  engaged  in  Confirma- 
tion? 

God  and  the  person  confirmed. 
What  does  the  person  confirmed  ratify  and 
strengthen. 

His  baptismal  promises. 
What  does  God  do? 

He  strengthens  the  faith  and  moral  purpose 
of  the  person  confirmed,  giving  him  additional 
means  and  assurances  of  grace. 
106 


CONFIRMATION. 


107 


Who  acts  as  God's  agent  in  Confirmation? 
The  Bishop. 

Why  may  no  one  but  a  Bishop  administer 
Confirmation  ? 

Because  it  is  a  function  belonging  to  the  Apos- 
tolic office  alone.    Acts  viii.  12-18. 

What  mistake  do  people  often  make  respect- 
ing the  matter  of  Confirmation  ? 

They  look  upon  it  as  joining  the  Church. 
Why  is  this  view  not  correct  ? 
Because  we  were  made  members  of  the  Church 
when  we  were  baptized;  and  as  baptism  is  our 
new  birth  into  the  Kingdom  of  Christ,  it  can 
never  be  repeated.  In  other  words,  a  person 
once  a  member  of  the  Church  is  always  a  mem- 
ber, (unless  excommunicated,)  and  therefore 
can  never  "join"  a  second  time. 

Do  persons  in  Confirmation  assume  any  new 
responsibility  or  obligation  which  did  not  rest 
on  them  before  ? 

No,  they  simply  accept  and  ratify  and  con- 
firm openly  before  the  Church  the  obligation 
that  rested  on  them  before. 

What  common  excuse  do  people  often  make 
for  not  coming  to  Confirmation  ? 

The  excuse  that  they  "  do  not  feel  good 
enough." 

Is  this  a  sufficient  reason  to  excuse  them  ? 
No,  the  question  is  not  how  we  feel,  but  do  we 


108  THE  PRAYER  BuOK  REASON  WHY. 

desire  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  help  us  to 
live  godly  lives.  If  we  are  honest  in  our  desire 
to  do  God's  will  and  to  be  better  than  we  are, 
we  should  use  the  means  which  God  here 
provides  for  making  us  better. 

What  great  inducement  to  Confirmation  does 
the  Saviour  hold  out? 

St.  Matt.  x.  32-33. 

Is  Confirmation  a  recent  ordinance  of  the 
Church? 

No;  it  is  a  custom  and  ordinance  which  has 
come  down  to  us  from  the  days  of  the  Apostles. 

Where  do  you  learn  that  the  Apostles  them- 
selves administered  Confirmation  ? 

Acts  viii.  14-17  and  xix.  6. 

How  does  St.  Paul  speak  of  it  in  Heb.  vi.  2? 

As  one  of  the  first  principles  or  rudiments 
of  Christian  doctrine,  and  therefore  cannot  be 
regarded  as  anything  else  than  a  matter  of 
grave  importance. 

What  does  the  rubric  say  at  the  end  of  the 
Confirmation  office  ? 

That  none  shall  be  admitted  to  Holy  Commun- 
ion till  he  has  been  confirmed  or  is  ready  and 
willing  to  be  confirmed. 

How  then  may  we  regard  Confirmation. 

As  the  door  admitting  us  to  the  Lord's  Supper, 
which  is  the  highest  privilege  and  duty  of  every 
Christian  believer. 


HOLY  MATRIMONY. 


Read  the  rubric  at  the  beginning  of  this 
service. 

Why  should  marriages  always  be  performed 
by  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  rather  than  by  a 
Civil  Magistrate  ? 

Because  marriage  is  a  divine  institution,  and 
should  therefore  be  solemnized  by  suitable  re- 
ligious rites. 

Where  does  the  rubric  direct  that  marriages 
shall  take  place  ? 

Either  in  the  Church  or  at  some  proper  house. 

Why  is  the  Church  the  proper  place? 

(1.)  Because  it  is  "God's  Holy  Temple,"  set 
apart  and  consecrated  especially  for  religious 
rites  and  ceremonies.  (2.)  That  those  who  come 
to  plight  then-  vows  may  be  the  more  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  solemnity  and  importance  of 
the  step  they  are  about  to  take. 

Why  does  the  man  stand  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  woman? 

109 


11(1 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


This  is  the  place  of  honor,  and  is  proper,  be- 
cause the  "  husband  is  the  head  of  the  wife." 

In  what  capacity  does  the  officiating  Priest 
here  act? 

As  God's  agent  or  representative,  and  there- 
fore the  promises  made  by  the  contracting  par- 
ties are  made  to  God,  and  not  to  man. 

In  what  particular  does  the  promise  made  by 
the  woman  differ  from  that  made  by  the  man  ? 

In  the  promise  to  obey  and  serve. 

Is  this  right  ? 

Yes,  for  there  can  be  but  one  head  to  a  house- 
hold, and  God's  law  requires  it.  See  Eph.  v. 
22,  24;  Col.  iii.  18;  I  Pet.  iii.  1,  5. 

What  does  "  Forsaking  all  others,"  etc.,  pro- 
hibit? 

Adultery,  polygamy,  and  divorce. 

What  does  "  troth  "  mean  ? 

It  is  an  old  word  meaning  truth. 

What  does  the  ring  signify  ? 

It  is  the  visible  pledge  and  token  of  the  cove- 
nant. It  is  the  most  precious  of  metals  ano 
therefore  suggests  the  care  with  which  the  prom- 
ises should  be  kept.  It  is  a  circle,  which  is  an 
emblem  of  eternity,  and  signifies  how  enduring 
the  affection  should  be.  It  is  placed  upon  the 
fourth  finger  of  the  left  hand  because  that  fin- 
ger is  least  used,  and  hence  in  a  measure  is 
sanctified  or  separate  from  common  use. 


HOLY  MATRIMONY. 


Ill 


Why  is  the  "name"  of  the  Trinity  used? 

It  is  calling  each  person  of  the  Godhead  to 
witness  the  pledge  which  is  given,  and  hence 
no  language  could  make  the  contract  stronger 
or  more  solemn. 

Why  does  the  rubric  direct  that  the  minister 
shall  receive  the  woman  from  the  hand  of  her 
father  or  friend  ? 

Because  the  minister  is  acting  as  God's  agent 
or  representative,  and  when  the  man  takes  his 
bride,  he  receives  her  as  from  the  hand  of  God. 

Whose  words  does  the  minister  use  when  he 
joins  the  hands  of  the  contracting  parties. 

The  words  of  Christ  Himself.   St.  Matt.  xix.  6. 

Who  established  the  holy  estate  of  matrimony  ? 

The  Creator.    Gen  i.  28  and  xviii.  24. 

How  did  Christ  give  His  sanction  to  the  insti- 
tution of  Matrimony? 

By  being  present  as  a  guest  at  the  Marriage 
in  Cana  of  Galilee.    St.  John  ii.  1. 

Why  should  the  parents,  or  some  friends  of  the 
contracting  parties  be  present  at  the  marriage  ? 

To  prevent  clandestine  and  unlawful  and  un- 
wise marriages. 

What  are  the  impediments  in  the  way  of  law- 
ful marriage  ? 

Mental  weakness,  previous  existing  marriage, 
certain  degrees  of  affinity,  certain  degrees  of 
consanguinity,  and  immature  age. 


112 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


DIVORCE. 

For  -what  cause  does  the  Church  permit  the 
marriage  bond  to  be  dissolved? 
For  the  cause  of  adultery,  only. 
On  what  scripture  is  this  based? 
St.  Matt.  xix.  5-9. 

What  is  the  rule  of  the  Church  respecting  the 
marriage  of  divorced  persons? 

If  the  divorce  has  been  granted  for  the  Script- 
ure cause,  the  innocent  party  may  marry  again, 
or  if  either  party  be  dead  the  other  may  many. 

If  persons  are"  married  "  otherwise  than  as 
God's  Word  doth  allow,"  what  does  the  Church 
provide  ? 

That  they  shall  not  be  admitted  to  Baptism, 
or  Confirmation,  or  Holy  Communion,  except  in 
cases  where  the  person  is  penitent  and  in  immi- 
nent danger  of  death:  in  other  words,  they  a*e 
excommunicated. 


VISITATION  OF  THE  SICK. 


What  does  the  first  rubric  in  this  office  direct? 

That  notice  shall  be  given  to  the  Minister  of 
the  parish  when  any  are  sick. 

Why  are  the  sick  to  send  for  the  Minister  ? 

Because  the  Minister  may  not  know  of  the 
sickness,  nor  at  what  time  his  visit  would  be  sea- 
sonable. 

What  other  reason  ? 

Because  it  is  a  divine  command.  St.  James 
v.  14,  15. 

Why  may  not  any  one  visit  the  sick  and  pray 
for  them  just  as  well  as  the  Minister  ? 

Visiting  the  sick  and  afflicted  is  a  duty  bind- 
ing on  all  Christians,  (St.  Matt.  xxv.  34,  36,)  but 
the  Priest  is  God's  Minister,  especially  commis- 
sioned to  pray  for  us,  (St.  James  v.  14,)  and 
though  private  friends  may  pray  for  us  and  with 
us,  we  have  more  confidence  in  the  jn'ayers  of 
those  who  have  been  divinely  commissioned  to 
act  as  God's  Ministers. 

J 13 


114 


THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


What  is  the  purpose  of  the  Minister  in  visit- 
ing the  sick  ? 

Not  merely  to  pray  and  read  comforting  pas- 
sages of  Scripture,  but  to  examine  the  state  of 
the  sick  one's  soul,  to  show  him  his  sins,  to  aid 
him  to  repentance,  and  so  prepare  him  for  the 
Holy  Communion  and  peace  with  God. 

Why  is  the  Lord's  Prayer  directed  to  be  used 
in  this  office  ? 

(1.)  Because  it  is  the  prayer  which  Christ 
himself  has  taught  us  to  use. 

(2.)  Because  no  other  prayer  expresses  what 
we  ought  to  feel,  when  in  affliction,  so  fully  and 
concisely  as  this.  It  is  a  prayer  for  both  de- 
liverance and  resignation.  By  using  these 
words  sincerely  and  thoughtfully  we  place  our- 
selves entirely  in  the  hands  of  God. 

What  may  we  understand  by  the  expression 
"  daily  bread  "  in  this  prayer  ? 

Not  only  food  sufficient  for  bodily  wants,  but 
spiritual  grace  and  nourishment  for  the  soul,  to 
enable  us  each  day  to  bear  up  under  our 
trials.  It  may  also  mean  the  Bread  of  Life 
in  the  Holy  Communion.  See  St.  John  vi.  51 
and  54. 


COMMUNION  OF  THE  SICK. 


Why  is  this  service  appointed  ? 

Because  in  time  of  sickness  and  peril  we 
especially  need  the  grace  and  comfort  of 
Christ,  which  is  given  to  us  in  the  Blessed  Sac- 
rament. 

Why  is  it  specially  fitting  and  important  that 
those  sick  or  in  imminent  peril  of  death  should 
receive  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper? 

(1.)  Because  when  sick  and  suffering  we 
especially  need  this  means  of  grace  to  make  us 
patient  and  resigned. 

(2.)  The  peace  of  mind  which  comes  to  us 
through  this  act  of  devotion  is  often  a  help  to 
bodily  recovery. 

(3.)  If  we  are  about  to  die  and  to  go  into 
the  Saviour's  presence,  our  last  act  on  earth 
should  be  one  of  loving  obedience  to  His  word 
who  said,  "Do  this  in  remembrance  of  me." 

What  other  reason? 

The  Blessed  Sacrament  is  the  pledge  of 
115 


1 10       THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


Christ's  favor  and  goodness  towards  us,  and 
therefore  should  arm  us  against  the  fear  of 
death. 

What  other  reason? 

Because  this  is  God's  seal  of  forgiveness  to 
all  who  receive  it  with  true  penitence  and  faith, 
and  having  received  the  pledge  of  forgiveness 
and  this  assurance  of  God's  favor  and  good- 
ness, the  sick  may  feel  prepared  to  go  into  the 
Divine  presence  without  fear  or  misgiving. 

How  many  are  required  by  the  rubric  to  re- 
ceive with  the  sick  person? 

Two,  at  least ;  though  in  case  of  contagious 
disease,  the  Minister  alone  may  receive  with 
the  sick.    (See  rubric  at  end.) 

Why  are  two,  at  least,  required  to  be 
present  ? 

For  the  comfort  of  the  sick  person,  and  as  a 
mark  of  charity,  and  good  will,  and  Christian 
fellowship. 

What  does  the  rubric  at  the  beginning  of 
this  office  require  Ministers  to  do? 

To  exhort  their  parishioners  to  the  often  re- 
ceiving of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  when  it  is 
publicly  administered  in  the  Church. 


BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 


What  does  the  rubric  direct  as  to  the  use  of 
this  service  ? 

That  it  is  not  to  be  used  for  suicides,  or  for 
those  who  die  excommunicate,  or  for  unbap- 
tized  adults. 

Why  is  this  rule  laid  down  ? 

(1.)  Because  persons  unbaptized  and  those  ex- 
communicate are  not  members  of  the  Church,  and 
for  them  this  service  would  not  be  proper,  as  it 
is  intended  only  for  members  of  the  Church. 

(2.)  Those  who  take  their  own  lives,  if  sane  at 
the  time,  break  the  Sixth  Commandment  and 
go  unbidden  into  God's  presence ;  for  those  who 
have  the  hardihood  to  do  this  the  language  in 
this  service  would  be  inappropriate. 

Cremation. 

Is  there  any  direct  command  in  the  Bible  re- 
quiring the  dead  to  be  buried  rather  than  cre- 
mated ? 

til 


118        THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  'WHY. 


No,  but  it  has  been  the  custom  observed  by 
God's  people,  both  under  the  Old  and  New  Tes- 
tament dispensations. 

Why  does  the  Church  follow  the  custom  of 
bury  rather  than  cremating. 

(1.)  Because  God  Himself  has  set  us  the  ex- 
ample in  the  burial  of  Moses.   Deut.  xxxiv.  6. 
Also  in  the  burial  of  our  Lord,  St.  Matt.  27,  59-60. 

(2.)  Our  bodies  while  living  are  temples  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  (1  Cor.  vi.  19),  and  reverence 
forbids  us  to  do  them  violence  even  after  the 
spirit  has  departed. 

(3.)  Burial  was  the  practice  of  those  inspired 
by  Divine  wisdom,  and  therefore  we  believe  that 
it  is  in  accorda  nee  with  the  Divine  will. 

Does  cremation  affect  in  any  way  the  doctrine 
of  the  resurrection  ? 

Not  in  the  least.  If  God  has  determined  to 
raise  the  dead,  He  will  do  so,  no  matter  how  the 
body  has  been  destroyed.  It  is  no  more  diffi- 
cult for  Him  to  raise  a  body  that  has  been  cre- 
mated than  one  that  has  been  destroyed  in  some 
other  way. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  ORDINAL. 


What  is  declared  in  the  first  sentence  of  the 
preface  which  precedes  the  form  for  the  Ordina- 
tion of  Deacons  ? 

"It  is  evident  to  all  men  diligently  reading 
Holy  Scriptures  and  ancient  authors  that  from 
the  Apostles'  time  there  have  been  these  three 
orders  of  Ministers  in  Christ's  Church — Bish- 
ops, Priests  and  Deacons." 

Who  are  meant  here  by  ancient  authors  ? 

The  Fathers  of  the  Church,  who  lived  imme- 
diately after  the  Apostles,  and  other  Ecclesiasti- 
cal writers  following  them. 

Why  are  ancient  authors  referred  to,  and  why . 
is  it  not  sufficient  to  study  the  Holy  Scriptures 
alone  to  ascertain  the  customs  and  ordinances 
observed  by  the  Apostles  ? 

Because  many  things  merely  alluded  to  or 
mentioned  incidentally  by  the  writers  of  the 
New  Testament  are  made  clear  and  certain  in 
the  writings  of  the  early  Fathers  who  lived  im- 

119 


120 


THE  PKAYEK  BOOK  KEASON  WHY. 


mediately  after  the  Apostles,  and  who  knew 
what  customs  had  always  prevailed. 

Why  is  their  testimony  accepted  as  conclusive 
respecting  the  three  orders  of  the  ministry  ? 

Because  it  is  only  on  their  testimony  and  the 
constant  witness  of  the  Church  that  we  know 
that  the  books  of  the  New  Testament  are  gen- 
uine; and  if  we  accept  their  testimony  on  so  im- 
portant a  matter  as  the  genuineness  and  authen- 
ticity of  the  Scripture,  we  are  certainly  hound 
to  accept  their  testimony  respecting  the  matters 
of  fact  relating  to  the  ministry. 

What  then  is  the  matter  of  fact  as  to  the  con- 
stitution of  the  ministry  ? 

That  from  the  time  of  the  Apostles  there  have 
been  these  three  orders,  Bishops,  Priests,  and 
Deacons. 

Are  these  orders  mentioned  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment? 

Yes,  repeatedly;  though  sometimes  called  by 
other  names. 

What  names  are  given  to  these  different 
classes  of  ministers  in  the  New  Testament  ? 

(1.)  Apostles;  (2.)  Presbyters  or  Elders,  and 
Bishops;  (3.)  Deacons. 

If  the  Presbyters  and  Bishops  were  the  same 
and  held  the  same  office  in  the  New  Testament 
times,  why  are  they  not  the  same  to-day? 

In  the  New  Testament  times  the  highest  office 


FKEFACE  TO  THE  ORDINAL. 


121 


was  neld  by  the  Apostles  themselves.  They  or- 
dained Elders  and  exercised  authority  over  the 
Churches.  But  when  the  Apostles  were  dead, 
those  who  succeeded  them  in  then-  office  merely 
called  themselves  Bishops,  the  name  Apostle; 
being  left  to  distinguish  the  original  Twelve,  and 
the  name  Presbyter,  to  the  second  order. 

How  is  it  that  the  Apostles  sometimes  called 
themselves  Elders  instead  of  Apostles,  e.g.,  I 
Pet.  vi.  and  II  John,  1? 

The  greater  of  course  includes  the  less. 
Every  Bishop  is  also  a  Presbyter,  though  not  all 
Presbyters  are  Bishops. 

"What  mistake  do  people  often  make  respect- 
ing the  origin  of  the  Church  and  ministry  ? 

They  assume  that  the  New  Testament  was 
first  written,  and  that  the  Church  was  after- 
wards organized,  and  ministers  set  apart  accord- 
ing to  instructions  there  laid  down. 

What  are  the  facts? 

Our  Lord  established  His  Church  by  the  call 
and  authority  given  to  His  Apostles.  After  His 
Ascension  into  heaven,  and  after  they  had  re- 
received  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost  on  the  Day 
of  Pentecost,  they  began  the  work  He  had  given 
them  to  do.  They  went  everywhere,  preaching 
the  Gospel,  and  making  disciples,  and  ordaining 
ministers.  While  carrying  on  this  work  they 
and  their  co-laborers  wrote  the  various  books 


122 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


of  the  New  Testament,  as  need  required,  and  as 
they  were  moved  to  do  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"Which  then  is  the  older,  the  Bible  or  the 
Church? 

The  Church,  of  course;  and  hence  the  Church 
has  always  been  looked  upon  as  the  witness  to 
Holy  Scripture,  and  as  its  keeper  and  the  inter- 
preter of  its  meaning,  because  it  was  written  by 
the  founders  of  the  Church,  and  for  the  Church. 

"What  else  do  we  learn  about  the  ministry  by 
reading  Holy  Scriptures  and  ancient  authors  ? 

That  it  has  always  been  considered  unlawful 
for  any  one  to  presume  to  execute  anj7  offices  of 
the  ministry  without  first  having  been  duly 
called  and  ordained  thereto  by  those  holding 
the  Apostolic  office. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  Ordination  to  the 
Sacred  Ministry  ? 

It  means  the  conferring  of  authority  to  do 
what  could  not  be  properly  done  without  it. 
This  authority  can  only  be  conferred  by  those 
possessing  it;  and  if  they  possess  it,  they  must 
have  derived  it  by  ordination  froin  those  who 
preceded  them  in  the  office;  and  so  on  through 
the  past  till  you  come  to  Christ  and  His  Apos- 
tles. Hence,  it  follows  that  there  can  be  no 
other  ordination  to  the  Christian  Ministry,  ex- 
cept by  regular  and  unbroken  succession  from 
the  Apostles. 


ORDAINING  OEACONS. 


Wnich  is  the  lowest  order  or  grade  in  the 
Ministry  ? 
That  of  Deacons. 

By  whom  and  for  what  were  the  first  Deacons 
ordained  ? 

See  Acts  vi.  1-6. 

Do  any  other  religious  bodies  have  Deacons? 

Yes;  the  Presbyterian  and  others. 

What  is  the  difference  between  a  Deacon  in 
our  Church,  and  those  in  other  religious  bodies? 

In  the  Episcopal  and  other  branches  of  the 
historic  Church,  (Koman,  Greek,  and  Anglican,) 
the  Deacons  belong  to  the  consecrated  Ministry; 
in  other  religious  bodies  they  are  merely  laymen. 

How  do  we  know  that  the  Deacons  ordained 
by  the  Apostles  were  not  laymen? 

Because  they  preached  and  baptized.  Acts 
viii.  5,  13,  38,  40. 

What  are  the  duties  pertaining  to  the  office  of 
a  Deacon  ? 


124 


THR  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


To  assist  the  Priest  in  divine  service,  espe 
cially  in  distributing  the  elements  at  Holy  Com- 
munion; to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  the 
Church;  to  instruct  the  youth  in  the  Catechism; 
to  baptize  infants  in  the  absence  of  the  Priest: 
to  preach,  (if  he  is  licensed  to  do  so  by  the 
Bishop,)  and  to  search  for  the  sick  and  the  poor 
and  report  them  to  the  Priest. 

What  is  a  Deacon  not  permitted  to  do  by  the 
Canons  of  the  Church? 

(1.)  He  cannot  preach  unless  licensed  by  the 
Bishop.  (2.)  He  cannot  celebrate  the  Holy 
Communion.  (3.)  He  cannot  pronounce  the 
Absolution  nor  the  Benediction.  (4.)  He  can- 
not be  Kector  of  a  Parish,  unless  he  has  passed 
his  examination  for  the  Priesthood. 

What  is  the  essential  part  in  ordination? 

The  laying  on  of  the  Bishop's  hands,  with 
prayer.    See  Acts  vi.  6;  xiii.  3. 

Why  are  the  words,  "in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost," 
used? 

To  indicate  that  the  consecrator  is  acting  by 
the  authority  and  as  the  agent  of  ihe  Blessed 
Trinity. 

Are  women  ever  ordained  to  the  ministry  ? 

No,  St.  Paul  says:  "Let  your  women  keep 
silence  in  the  churches:,  for  it  is  not  permitted 
them  to  speak."    I  Cor.  xiv.  34;  I  Tim  ii.  12. 


0EDA1NING  DEACONS. 


125 


Is  there  any  authority  in  the  Bible  for  allow- 
ing women  to  teach  privately  ? 
Yes;  Acts  xviii.  26. 

Clerical  Vestments. 
The  Kubric  at  the  beginning  of  this  office 
directs  that  persons  presented  to  the  Bishop  for 
ordination  shall  be  "decently  habited;"  what 
does  the  expression  "  decently  habited  "  here 
mean  ? 

It  is  an  expression  taken  from  an  old  English 
canon,  requiring  the  clergy  to  wear  a  distinctive, 
grave,  and  decent  habit.  Here  it  no  doubt 
means  that  they  shall  have  on  the  official  vest- 
ments or  robes  peculiar  to  the  clerical  office. 

Why  do  the  clergy  of  our  church  wear  a  dis- 
tinctive official  dress  or  robes  in  performing 
divine  service  ? 

(1.)  To  show  that  he  who  wears  them  is  act- 
ing, not  personally,  but  as  an  officer.  (2.)  For 
the  sake  of  dignity  and  uniformity.  (3.)  "  For 
glory  and  for  beauty." 

What  is  the  origin  of  this  custom? 

It  is  lost  in  antiquity,  but  we  know  that  in  all 
nations  of  the  world  it  has  been  the  custom  for 
their  priests,  who  ministered  in  sacred  things, 
to  wear  a  distinctive  dress. 
'  From  what  source  did  the  Christian  Church 
derive  this  custom? 


12G 


THE  PRAYER  BuOA  KiiASON  WH>, 


From  the  Jewish  Church  and  customs  of  the 
Temple,  which  were  ordained  of  God,  and  which 
our  Blessed  Lord  sanctioned  by  His  presence. 

Is  there  any  authority  for  this  custom  in  the 
Bible? 

Yes;  under  the  Old  Testament  dispensation 
God  expressly  commanded  that  those  who  min- 
istered in  the  priestly  office  should  wear  a  dis- 
tinctive dress.    Ex.  xxviii.  2,  40. 

What  objection  has  been  frequently  raised 
against  this  custom  in  recent  times  ? 

That  it  is  a  popish  custom  and  a  mark  of 
superstition. 

What  answer  may  we  make  to  this  objection  ? 

If  it  is  a  custom  sanctioned  by  the  Bible  and 
by  the  universal  practice  of  mankind,  and  dis- 
tinctly commanded  by  God  himself,  it  is  hardly 
becoming  in  us  to  denounce  it  as  popery  and 
superstition. 

What  then  may  be  said  in  favor  of  this  custom  ? 

It  is  one  of  the  marks  by  which  the  Church 
of  God  to-day  is  identified  with  the  Church  of 
the  eax'ly  centuries. 

It  not  only  has  the  sanction  of  the  highest 
divine  authority,  but  is  in  harmony  with  the 
feelings  and  customs  of  the  wisest  and  best  of 
mankind. 


ORDINATION  OF  PRIESTS. 


What  is  the  second  grade  in  the  ministry? 
That  of  the  Priesthood. 

What  other  word  is  equivalent  to  the  word 
Priest  ? 
Presbyter  or  Elder. 

What  other  name  or  title  is  sometimes  given 
to  the  Priest  ? 

Kector,  Minister  or  Pastor. 

What  do  these  names  signify  ? 

Not  an  order  of  the  ministry,  but  simply  an 
office:  e.  g.,  "Rector"  comes  from  the  Latin 
word  "  rego,"  to  rule,  and  means  that  he  is  the 
ruler  of  the  parish.  "  Pastor  "  means  a  shepherd, 
one  who  feeds  and  cares  for  a  flock.  "  Minister," 
means  one  who  ministers;  he  may  be  either  a 
Bishop,  or  Priest,  or  Deacon. 

What  are  the  duties  of  a  Priest  ? 

To  minister  the  Sacraments,  pronounce  Abso- 
lution, preach  the  Gospel,  and  govern  his  parish, 
and  shepherd  that  portion  of  Christ's  flock  com- 
mitted to  his  care,  and  to  drive  away  false  doe- 
trine. 

127 


128 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


What  is  he  not  permitted  to  do  ? 

He  is  not  permitted  to  ordain,  nor  to  admin- 
ister Confirmation,  nor  to  officiate  as  pastor  in 
any  diocese  without  consent  of  the  Bishop. 

When  the  Bishop  lays  on  his  hands  in  ordina- 
tion to  the  priesthood,  what  does  he  say? 

"  Receive  the  Holy  Ghost  for  the  work  of  a 

Priest  in  the  Church  of  God  Whose  sins 

thou  dost  forgive,  they  are  forgiven :  And  whose 
sins  thou  dost  retain,  they  are  retained." 

Is  it  not  presumption  for  the  Bishop  to  use 
these  words  ? 

No;  he  is  merely  conferring  an  office  and  ful- 
filling the  commission  which  Christ  gave  to  His 
first  Apostles,  and  through  them  to  their  succes- 
sors to  the  end  of  the  world.    St.  John  xx.  22. 

What  authority  has  the  Bishop  for  using 
these  words? 

The  authority  of  Christ  himself.  St.  John 
xx.  21. 

Do  we  understand  that  absolute  power  is  here 
conferred  to  forgive  sins  ? 

'  No,  but  only  in  so  far  as  the  Minister  acts  in 
conformity  with  God's  will. 

What  then  do  these  words  mean  ? 

They  mean  just  what  Christ  meant  when  He 
said  them  to  His  first  Apostles. 

Do  we  understand  that  the  first  Apostles  had 
power  given  them  absolutely  to  retain  and  for- 


ORDINATION  OF  PRIESTS. 


129 


give  sins,  irrespective  of  the  moral  conditions  in 
the  case? 

No;  they  could  not  retain  the  sins  of  penitent 
persons,  nor  forgive  the  impenitent.  So  to-day, 
when  the  Absolution  is  pronounced,  it  is  effica- 
cious only  when  the  Scripture  conditions  have 
been  complied  with;  i.  e.,  it  must  be  pronounced 
by  one  who  has  official  authority,  and  the  person 
receiving  it  must  be  truly  penitent. 

In  what  other  sense  may  this  conferring  of  the 
power  of  absolution  be  understood  *? 

As  referring  to  the  duty  of  inflicting  or  re- 
moving ecclesiastical  censure,  by  which  persons 
are  admitted  to  or  excluded  from  the  privileges 
of  the  Lord's  Supper. 


CONSECRATION  OF  BISHOPS. 


What  is  the  highest  order  of  the  ministry  ? 
That  of  Bishops. 

"What  office  do  the  Bishops  hold  in  the 
Church  ? 

The  same  as  that  held  by  the  Apostles. 

Why  are  they  not  called  Apostles? 

Because  the  name  Apostle  has  been  left  by 
common  consent,  and  as  a  mark  of  reverence,  to 
distinguish  those  mentioned  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment. 

What  are  the  distinctive  powers  inherent  in 
the  office  of  a  Bishop  ? 

He  alone  has  power  to  administer  Confirma- 
tion, and  to  rule  the  Church,  and  to  perpetuate 
the  ministry,  by  ordaining  others. 

What  are  the  duties  of  a  Bishop  ? 

The  Bishop  of  every  diocese  is  its  chief  pastor, 
under  the  Good  Shepherd  himself.  The  diocese 
ia  his  parish,  and  the  clergy  act  under  his 
130 


CONSECRATION  OF  BISHOPS. 


131 


authority  and  oversight.  He  is  overseer  and 
pastor  of  both  clergy  and  laity. 

How  many  Bishops  must  unite  in  the  conse- 
cration of  a  Bishop  ? 

Three,  at  least 

How  long  since  this  rule  was  enacted  ? 

Ever  since  the  Council  of  Nice,  A.  D.  325. 

Was  it  not  the  rule  and  custom  of  the  Church 
Wore  that  time  ? 

It  was,  but  it  was  then  made  a  law  universally 
binding. 

Why  was  this  law  enacted  ? 

To  secure  greater  publicity  and  solemnity, 
and  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  failure  respect- 
ing the  validity  of  the  ministry. 

How  has  this  office  been  handed  down  ? 

By  the  laying  on  of  the  Bishop's  hands,  with 
prayer,  in  ordination  to  the  Episcopate. 

The  Apostolic  Succession. 

What  is  this  handing  down  of  the  Apostolic 
office  called?  1 

The  Apostolic  Succession. 

Why  is  this  continuance  of  the  Apostolic 
order  and  ministry  considered  of  such  great  im- 
portance ? 

(1.)  Because  a  true  and  valid  ministry  is  nec- 
essary to  the  existence  of  a  true  and  valid 
Church.    (2.)  Because  it  connects  us  directly 


132  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

with  Christ,  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  and 
shows  that  our  Church  to-day  is  identical  with 
that  which  was  founded  by  Christ  and  His 
Apostles. 

How  do  we  know  that  this  succession  or  con- 
tinuity in  the  chain  of  the  Ministry  has  not  been 
broken  ? 

(1.)  Because  for  the  first  1500  years  after 
Christ  we  find  no  branch  of  the  historic  Church, 
orthodox,  heretical,  or  schismatical,  in  any  part 
of  the  world,  without  Bishops  who  had  been 
ordained  by  other  Bishops. 

What  precaution  was  taken,  in  early  times,  as 
a  safeguard  to  the  validity  of  the  ministry  ? 

At  the  Council  of  Nice,  A.  D.  325,  a  law  was 
enacted  requiring  that  no  Bishop  should  be  con- 
secrated without  the  concurrence  of  three  other 
Bishops;  so  that  if,  by  any  chance,  one  of  the 
consecrators  was  not  competent  to  act,  the  valid 
succession  would  yet  be  secured  through  either 
or  both  of  the  other  two. 

How  has  this  rule  affected  the  matter  of  a 
valid  and  true  Apostolic  succession  ? 

It  has  placed  it  beyond  all  doubt.  If  three 
persons  united  in  an  ordination,  and  one,  or 
.gven  two  of  them  were  incompetent  to  act,  the 
ordination  would  yet  be  valid  through  the  third. 

How  does  this  make  sure  the  Apostolical  Suc- 
cession ? 


CONSECRATION  OF  BISHOPS. 


133 


It  makes  the  supposition  of  its  failure  incred- 
ible, because  the  longer  it  continues  the  stronger 
become  the  chances  against  its  failure. 

How  can  you  illustrate  this  to  make  it  plain  ? 

If  three  Bishops  unite  in  every  ordination, 
the  Apostolic  Succession  becomes  a  network  of 
interlacing  cords,  that  cross  and  re-cross,  and 
unite  at  many  points.  If  you  break  one  link  in 
a  chain  the  continuity  is  destroyed,  but  if  you 
break  one  cord,  or  even  many  cords,  in  a  mesh 
or  net,  there  is  still  a  continuity  that  remains 
unbroken  between  the  top  and  bottom  of  the 
mesh.  The  wider  the  network  becomes,  and 
the  more  numerous  the  strands,  the  more  diffi- 
cult it  becomes  to  break  it. 

What  then  do  we  infer  ? 

That  the  unbroken  continuity  in  office  be- 
tween our  Bishops  and  the  Apostles  is  a  moral 
certainty. 

Why  do  the  clergy  not  have  the  same  miracu- 
lous powers  to-day  that  they  had  in  Apostolic 
times? 

The  power  to  work  miracles  was  given  to  the 
first  ministers  of  Christ  for  a  special  purpose,  to 
meet  a  special  necessity;  but  when  the  Church 
beoame  established  that  necessity  ceased  to 
exist,  and  this  power  was  no  longer  needed. 


CONSECRATION  OF  CHURCHES. 


What  is  meant  by  "Consecration"' 
Dedicating  to  God,  or  setting  apart  to  holy 

uses,  by  a  solemn  religious  service. 
Who  is  empowered  to  consecrate  a  church  or 

chapel? 

The  power  lies  in  the  Bishop  alone,  as  chief 
minister  and  overseer  of  the  Church. 

What  instances  are  mentioned  in  the  Bible  of 
the  consecration  of  a  church? 

I  Kings  viii.;  Ex.  si.  9-16. 

Why  are  churches  consecrated  ? 

So  as  to  guard  them  from  common  and  secu- 
lar uses.  The  church  is  erected  for  God,  and 
things  set  apart  for  God's  service  should  not 
be  used  except  for  religious  purposes. 

What  is  sacrilege  ? 

The  taking  of  things  which  have  been  set 
apart  for  religious  purposes,  and  treating  them 
as  if  they  were  common  things. 

Is  there  any  instance  of  this  in  the  Bible  ? 
124 


CONSECRATION  OF  CHURCHES.  135 


See  Dan.  v.  23. 

Why  is  it  wrong  to  use  churches  for  purposes 
of  secular  amusement  ? 

Because  it  is  taking  things  consecrated  to  God 
for  holy  uses,  and  using  them  for  our  own 
pleasure. 

What  principle  should  govern  us  in  the  erec- 
tion of  churches  ? 

They  should  be  made  as  costly  and  beautiful 
as  our  means  will  allow.  They  are  not  built  for 
the  pleasure  of  man,  but  for  the  glory  of  God. 

With  what  feelings  should  we  enter  conse- 
crated buildings  ? 

With  feelings  of  reverence  and  awe,  as  Moses 
stood  at  the  burning  bush,  knowing  that  we 
stand  on  holy  ground,  and  in  the  place  where 
God  has  promised  to  record  His  name. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  hast  built  Thy  Church 
upon  the  foundation  of  Apostles  and  Prophets, 
Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  head  corner- 
stone; grant  us  to  be  so  joined  together  in  unity 
of  spirit  by  their  doctrine,  that  we  may  be  an 
holy  temple  acceptable  unto  Thee,  through 
Jesus  Christ  or"  Lord. — Amen. 


CHURCH  SEASONS  AND  HOLY  DAYS. 


Into  what  seasons  is  the  Christian  Year  di- 
vided, and  why  ? 

It  is  divided  into  eight  seasons,  called  Ad- 
vent, Christmas,  Epiphany,  Lent,  Easter,  As- 
cension, Whitsuntide  and  Trinity.  It  is  so  di- 
vided in  order  to  bring  before  our  minds  the 
great  events  in  the  Saviour's  life,  or  the  great 
doctrines  of  Holy  Scripture  which  every  Chris- 
tian ought  to  believe  and  practise. 

What  result  usually  follows  where  people 
neglect  to  observe  the  seasons  and  holy  days 
appointed  by  the  Church  ? 

The  result  is  that  many  of  the  most  important 
truths  revealed  to  us  in  Holy  Scripture  are  losl: 
sight  of  and  forgotten;  and  then  people  either 
become  indifferent  or  are  easily  led  away  into 
error. 

Ia  the  observance  of  the  Church's  seasons  and 
holy  days  a  custom  which  has  sprung  up  in  re- 
cent times  ? 

136 


ADVENT. 


137 


No;  it  is  a  custom  which  has  been  observed 
from  the  earliest  ages  of  Christianity. 
What  does  this  show? 

It  shows  (1)  that  the  Church  of  to-day  is  sub- 
stantially identical  with  that  of  the  first  centu- 
ries, and  is  one  in  spirit  with  it;  (2)  that  this 
custom  meets  the  needs  of  human  nature  al- 
ways and  everywhere. 

What  would  we  naturally  expect  of  a  church 
or  system  that  had  received  its  origin  from 
God? 

That  it  would  continue,  essentially  unchanged, 
notwithstanding  the  changing  customs  and 
fashions  of  merely  human  institutions. 

Advent. 

What  two  great  truths  does  the  Church  hold 
up  before  us  during  the  Advent  season  ? 

The  first  and  second  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

When  and  how  did  our  Lord  first  come  ? 

He  came  neai-ly  nineteen  hundred  j'ears  ago, 
taking  upon  Him  our  nature  and  living  for 
thirty  years  as  a  man  upon  the  earth. 

What  is  there  remarkable  about  the  first  ad- 
vent or  coming  of  our  Lord  ? 

It  was  not  only  foretold  by  the  prophets 
hundreds  of  years  before  it  came  to  pass,  but 
the  time  and  place  and  manner  of  His  coming, 


138 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


His  character,  and  His  death  were  all  accurate- 
ly foretold  (Isa.  7:  14;  9:  6;  53:  3-9;  Dan.  9: 
24-27;  Zech.  12:  10;  Mai.  3:  1;  4:  2;  Micah  5:  1, 
2;  Ps.  22:  7,  8,  17,  18;  69:  21). 

What  was  the  purpose  of  Christ's  first  coming? 

To  redeem  mankind  from  the  power  of  sin 
and  death  and  to  teach  us  God's  will. 

What  will  be  the  purpose  of  His  second  com- 
ing? 

To  judge  the  world  and  to  distribute  the  re- 
wards of  eternal  life  to  such  as  shall  be  found 
worthy. 

What  will  be  the  time  and  manner  of  the 
Lord's  second  coming  ? 

He  will  come  in  glorious  majesty,  attended 
by  angelic  host,  but  the  time  of  His  coming  is 
known  only  to  God  (St.  Matt.  24:  30-36). 

When  does  the  season  of  Advent  begin,  and 
why  has  it  been  set  apart  ? 

It  begins  the  fourth  Sunday  before  Christ- 
mas, and  has  been  set  apart  for  two  purposes: 
(1)  that  we  may  prepare  ourselves  by  proper 
instruction  and  devotion  to  worthily  celebrate 
the  Lord's  nativity;  (2)  that  by  repentance  and 
prayerful  contemplation  of  the  last  great  day 
we  may  be  prepared  to  meet  Him  when  he 
comes  to  judge  the  world. 

How  ought  Christian  people  to  observe  the 
Advent  season  ? 


CHRISTMAS. 


139 


By  attending  devoutly  to  all  religious  duties, 
and  by  such  a  careful  preparation  of  the  heart 
and  mind  as  we  would  wish  to  make  if  we  knew 
that  the  Lord  were  coming  at  once  to  judg- 
ment. 

Christmas. 

What  great  event  in  the  world's  history  does 
the  Church  celebrate  at  Christmas  ? 

The  advent  of  the  world's  Redeemer  in  the 
birth  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

What  prophecy  and  what  promise  were  ful- 
filled by  the  birth  of  Christ  ? 

The  promise  of  the  angel  to  the  Blessed  Vir- 
gin (St.  Luke  1 :  26-35),  and  the  prophecy  of 
Isaiah  7:  14,  "Behold,  a  virgin  shall  conceive, 
and  bear  a  son,  and  He  shall  be  called  Imman- 
uel." 

What  other  promises  were  fulfilled  by  the 
birth  of  Christ  ? 

(1)  The  promise  which  God  had  made  to 
Abraham  nearly  two  thousand  years  before, 
that,  "  in  his  seed  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
should  be  blessed  "  (Gen.  22:  18);  (2)  the  prom- 
ise made  to  our  first  parents,  that  "  the  seed  of 
the  woman  should  bruise  the  serpent's  head " 
(Gen.  3:  15). 

How  does  it  appear  that  this  latter  promise 
was  fulfilled  in  Christ  ? 

Because  Christ  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 


140 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


and  having  no  human  father,  He  was  pre-emi- 
nently the  seed  or  offspring  of  the  woman. 

How  long  has  this  festival  been  observed  ? 

Since  the  first  ages  of  Christianity. 

What  facts  can  you  mention  to  prove  this 
statement  ? 

We  know  that  it  was  observed  as  early  as  the 
third  century  because  the  Emperor  Diocletian, 
caused  the  doors  of  a  church  to  be  barricaded 
and  the  congregation  of  Christians  who  were 
celebrating  the  nativity  there  to  be  burned  up. 
Besides  this,  The  earliest  Christian  writers,  tell 
us  that  the  festival  was  celebrated  from  the  be- 
ginning of  Christianity. 

When  does  Christmas  occur  and  how  long 
does  the  season  last  ? 

The  festival  oscurs  on  December  25th,  and 
the  season  lasts  till  the  Feast  of  the  Epiphany, 
January  6th. 

How  should  the  Christmas  season  be  ob- 
served ? 

With  feelings  of  gladness  and  gratitude  to 
God  for  sending  His  Son  to  be  the  Saviour  of 
mankind. 

What  objection  do  people  sometimes  make 
against  the  observance  of  this  festival  ? 

The  objection  that  we  are  not  sure  that  Christ 
was  born  on  this  day. 

Why  is  not  this  a  valid  objection  ? 


CHRISTMAS. 


141 


(1)  Because  the  earliest  Christian  writers,  e.g., 
Justin  Martyr,  Tertullian,  St.  Ambrose,  and  St. 
Augustin — all  unite  in  declaring  that  the  nativity 
had  always  been  celebrated  on  Dec.  25th,  and  that 
the  very  day  was  proved  by  records  then  exist- 
ing in  the  archives  at  Eome — i.  e.,  the  Tables  of 
the  Censors  who  conducted  the  taxing  spoken 
of  by  St.  Luke  (2:  1-5);  (2)  It  is  immaterial 
whether  this  is  the  exact  day  of  the  Saviour's 
birth  or  not;  as  it  is  the  event  we  celebrate  and 
not  the  day. 

Why  do  we  deck  our  churches  with  evergreens 
for  the  Christmas  festival  ? 

(1)  Because  evergreens  have  always  been  used 
as  emblems  of  youth  and  rejoicing;  and  (2) 
because  they  symbolize  the  undying  character 
of  the  Christian's  love  and  gratitude  to  God  for 
His  inestimable  gift  of  a  Saviour. 

What  prophecy  is  referred  to  as  foretelling 
this  custom? 

The  prophecy  of  Isaiah  60:  13:  "  The  fir-tree 
and  the  pine-tree  and  the  box  together  shall 
beautify  the  place  of  my  sanctuary." 

What  reason  is  thex-e  for  the  custom  of  mak- 
ing gifts  to  each  other,  and  especially  to  the 
Church,  at  Christmas  time  ? 

It  is  inspired  by  the  gift  of  Jesus  Christ  to  be 
the  Saviour  of  mankind,  God's  Christmas  gift 
to  all  men.    It  is  the  natural  impulse  of  the 


142 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


human  heart,  for  the  heart  that  is  filled  with  joj 
and  gratitude  seeks  to  express  its  feelings  in  tht 
bestowal  of  costly  gifts. 

Feast  of  the  Circumcision. 

What  incident  does  the  Church  commemorate 
by  the  Feast  of  the  Circumcision  ? 

The  circumcision  of  Christ,  this  being  the  rite 
by  which  Hebrew  children  were  admitted  intc 
the  Church  and  Covenant  of  God. 

When  and  by  whom  was  this  rite  ordained  ? 

See  Gen.  17:  1-14. 

What  does  the  circumcision  of  the  Infant 
Saviour  teach  us  ? 

(1)  That  as  He  who  came  to  be  our  example 
was  obedient  to  all  the  divinely  appointed 
ordinances  of  religion,  so  we  must  also  be. 
(2)  The  bringing  of  the  infant  Saviour  into  mem= 
bership  in  God's  Church  is  an  example  to  all 
Christian  parents. 

How  long  has  it  been  the  custom  to  admit 
children  into  membership  in  the  Church  ? 

Ever  since  the  days  of  Abraham. 

What  sacrament  did  Christ  institute  to  take 
the  place  of  circumcision  ? 

The  sacrament  of  Holy  Baptism. 

What  name  was  given  to  Christ  at  His  cir- 
cumcision ? 

The  name  "  Jesus,"  which  declared  Him  to  be 
the  Saviour  of  the  world. 


EPIPHANY. 


143 


Epvphcmy. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  Epiphany,  and  what 
does  the  Church  commemorate  by  this  festival? 

Epiphany  means  "  manifestation  "  or  "  show- 
ing forth,"  and  the  festival  commemorates  the 
manifestation  of  Christ  to  the  Gentiles. 

Who  are  meant  by  the  "  Gentiles  "  ? 

All  who  are  not  Jews  and  who  do  not  accept 
the  religion  and  law  of  Moses. 

To  what  Gentiles  was  Christ  first  manifested  ? 

To  certain  "  wise  men  from  the  East  "  called 
"Magi,"  who  came  to  Bethlehem  to  see  Him 
(St.  Matt.  2:  1-11) 

What  did  the  Epiphany  or  the  manifestation 
of  Christ  to  the  Gentiles  indicate  ? 

That  the  Gentiles  as  well  as  the  Jews  were  to 
enjoy  the  privileges  of  the  Gospel  and  to  share 
the  salvation  which  God  was  about  to  bestow 
upon  mankind  through  Him. 

What  prophetical  significance  was  there  in  the 
gifts  which  the  "  wise  men  "  presented  to  the 
Infant  Saviour?    (St.  Matt.  2:  11.) 

Gold  was  in  recognition  of  His  royalty,  as 
especially  appropriate  to  a  King  ;  frankincense 
was  in  recognition  of  His  divinity,  incense  being 
always  emblematical  of  worship  and  adoration  ; 
myrrh,  used  for  embalming  the  dead,  was  pro- 
phetical of  His  death;  in  other  words,  they 


144         THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

brought  gold  because  He  was  a  King,  incense 
because  lie  was  God,  and  myrrh  because  He  was 
to  die  for  mankind. 

In  what  way  did  the  wise  men  in  their  gifts 
represent  the  three  great  races  or  families  of 
mankind  ? 

Japheth  is  represented  by  gold,  the  symbol 
of  trade  ;  Ham  is  represented  by  myrrh,  the 
symbol  of  servitude  and  suffering  ;  and  Shem  by 
frankincense,  the  symbol  of  worship,  which  is 
the  characteristic  of  the  Shemitic  race. 

How  long  does  the  Epiphany  season  last  ? 

It  begins  on  Epiphany  Day,  January  6th, 
twelve  days  after  Christmas,  and  extends  to 
Septuagesima  Sunday,  which  is  the  third  Sun- 
day before  Lent. 

Septuagesima. 
What  is  the  Septuagesima  season  and  what  is 
its  design  ? 

It  is  a  period  of  about,  three  weeks  between 
the  last  Sunday  after  Epiphany  and  the  begin- 
ning of  Lent.  The  design  of  this  season  is  to 
direct  our  thoughts  away  from  the  feasting  and 
joy  of  the  Christmas  time  to  the  solemn  subject 
of  the  Lenten  Fast.  The  Sundays  in  this  season 
are  called  respectively  Septuagesima,  Sesa- 
gesima.  and  Quinquagesima,  because,  counting 
back  in  round  numbers  from  the  first  Sunday 


PRESENTATION  OP  CHRIST.  145 


in  Lent  they  are  approximately  the  fiftieth,  six- 
tieth, and  seventieth  days  before  Easter. 

Presentation  of  Christ. 

What  incident  in  the  Saviour's  life  does  the 
Church  commemorate  on  the  Feast  of  the 
Presentation  ? 

The  bringing  of  Christ  to  the  Temple  to  be 
dedicated  to  the  Lord  in  obedience  to  the  law 
of  the  Jewish  Church  (Ex.  22 :29 ;  Num.  18  :15 ; 
Lev.  12;  1G). 

When  does  this  festival  occur? 

The  second  day  of  February,  forty  days  after 
Christmas. 

Why  did  our  Saviour  submit  to  these  out- 
ward laws  aud  ordinances  of  religion? 

That  he  might  be  in  all  things  an  example  of 
perfect  godliness. 

What  do  we  learn  from  this  act  of  Mary  in 
bringing  her  son  to  the  Temple. 

(1.)  That  parents  should  follow  her  example 
and  dedicate  their  children  to  God  in  Holy  Bap- 
tism; (2)  that  all  should  pay  strict  and  willing 
obedience  to  the  ordinances  of  God's  Church. 

The  Annunciation. 
What  does  the  Church  commemorate  by  the 
Feast  of  the  Annunciation? 

The  fact  of  our  Lord's  miraculous  conception. 


146  THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

By  whom  and  to  whom  was  this  fact  foretold  ? 
It  was  announced  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 
by  an  angel.  (St.  Luke  1:  26-35). 

What  is  the  fulfilment  of  this  promise  called  ? 
The  Incarnation. 

What,  then,  is  meant  by  the  "  Incarnation  ?  " 

It  comes  from  two  Latin  words  meaning  in 
the  flesh,  and  signifies  the  act  of  Almighty  power 
by  which  the  divine  and  human  natures  became 
united  in  the  off-spring  of  the  Virgin. 

Who  was  the  Virgin  Mary  ? 

She  was  a  maiden  belonging  to  the  house  and 
lineage  of  David,  and  was  a  direct  descendant 
of  Abraham,  to  whom  the  promise  had  been 
given  nearly  two  thousand  years  before,  that  in 
his  seed  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  should  be 
blessed.  (Ger.  22:  18). 

In  whom  was  this  promise  to  Abraham  ful- 
filled? 

In  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  was  conceived 
by  the  Holy  Ghost  and  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary. 

Why  do  we  speak  of  Mary  as  the  "  blessed " 
Virgin  ? 

Because  God's  angel  called  her  blessed,  and 
because  it  is  an  act  of  reverence  due  to  her  who 
was  so  "  highly  favored  "  of  God. 

When  does  the  Feast  of  the  Annunciation 
occur,  and  what  does  it  teach  ? 


LENT. 


147 


It  occurs  on  March  25th,  nine  montha  before 
Christmas,  and  teaches  us  (1)  to  admire  and 
emulate  the  modesty,  humility,  and  faith  -with 
which  Mary  received  the  angel's  message; 
and  (2)  that  as  the  Son  of  God  for  our 
sake  became  united  to  our  nature,  so  it  should 
be  our  supreme  care  to  be  spiritually  united  to 
Him  and  thus  become  partakers  of  His  salvation. 

Lent. 

What  is  the  Lenten  season,  and  why  is  it  set 
apart? 

It  is  a  period  of  six  weeks  preceding  the 
anniversary  of  the  Saviour's  death,  and  is  set 
apart  as  a  special  season  of  fasting,  penitence, 
and  prayer. 

Why  is  it  called  Lent  ? 

Because  it  always  comes  in  the  spring  of  the 
year,  and  the  old  Saxon  word  Lent  means 
spring. 

With  what  remarkable  event  in  the  Saviour's 
life  does  the  Lenten  season  correspond  ? 

The  forty  days  which  He  spent  fasting  in  the 
wilderness. 

Why  is  the  first  day  of  Lent  called  Ash 
Wednesday  ? 

It  is  called  so  from  the  custom  which  pre- 
vailed in  the  early  Church  of  sprinkling  ashes 
on  the  heads  of  penitents  the  first  day  of 


148  THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

Lent,  in  token  of  humiliation  and  sorrow  for 
sin. 

Are  there  any  examples  of  this  custom 
mentioned  in  the  Bible  ? 

Yes;  the  example  of  Daniel  and  of  David  and 
the  people  of  Nineveh,  to  which  our  Lord  Him- 
self refers  (St.  Matt.  11:  21). 

If  Lent  is  only  of  forty  days'  duration,  why 
does  it  begin  forty-six  days  before  Easter  ? 

Because  there  are  six  Sundays  in  Lent,  and  as 
all  Sundaj's  are  feast  days,  kept  in  honor  of  the 
Resurrection,  they  are  taken  out ;  and  to  make 
up  for  these,  six  days  are  added  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  season. 

How  should  the  Lenten  season  be  observed 
by  Christian  people? 

As  a  special  season  for  drawing  near  to  God 
by  extraordinary  acts  of  penitence,  charity,  and 
religious  devotion;  by  fasting,  and  abstinence 
from  public  places  of  amusement,  and  from  all 
things  that  tend  to  draw  away  the  heart  from 
God. 

What  is  the  object  of  keeping  Lent  ? 

To  deepen  the  religious  life,  to  purify  the 
heart  from  sin,  and  to  unite  us  more  closely  to 
the  Saviour. 

Why  does  the  Church  require  us  to  observe 
the  Lenten  Fast? 

(1)  Because  reDentance  and  humiliation  are 


LENT. 


149 


essential  to  growth  in  grace  ;  and  (2)  because 
these  duties  are  apt  to  be  neglected  and  forgotten 
unless  some  special  time  is  set  apart  for  their 
observance. 

What  objection  do  people  sometimes  urge 
against  the  observance  of  the  Lenten  Fast  ? 

They  say  that  it  is  a  useless  and  superstitious 
custom,  and  that  Christ  nowhere  commanded 
His  disciples  to  fast. 

What  answer  do  we  make  to  this  objection  ? 

(1)  Fasting  was  a  common  practice  not  only 
among  God's  chosen  people  and  His  prophets 
under  the  Old  Testament  dispensation  but  even 
heathen  people  practiced  it.  {e.g.,  Ex.  34:  28; 
1  Kings  19:  8;  2  Sam.  12:  16;  Joel  1: 14;  Jonah 
3:5;Ps.  35:  13). 

(2)  Our  Lord  fasted  and  so  did  His  disciples; 
(St.  Matt.  4:  2;  Acts  13:  2-3;  10:  30.)  And  al- 
though Christ  did  not  command  His  followers 
to  fast  He  assumed  that  they  would,  do  so  and 
gave  them  directions  how  to  do;  St.  Matt.  6:  17. 
No  one  can  say  therefore  that  the  custom  is 
either  useless  or  superstitious,  oj  it  has  the 
highest  of  divine  authoriy 

What  is  the  effect  of  a  Lenten  season  rightly 
kept? 

It  purifies  the  heart  from  greed  and  lust, 
breaks  the  force  of  evil  habit,  brings  us  near  to 
Christ,  and  creates  a  closer  bond  of  union 
between  our  souls  and  heaven. 


150  THE  PRATER  BOOR  REASON  WHY. 

How  long  has  the  custom  of  keeping  Lent 
been  observed  by  the  Church  ? 

We  know  that  it  was  observed  in  the  first 
century  after  Christ,  and  probably  from  the 
very  days  of  the  apostles,  though  the  season  was 
Hot  always  forty  days  in  length. 

Good  Friday. 

What  great  event  does  the  Church  com- 
memorate on  Good  Friday  ? 

The  crucifixion  and  death  of  our  Lord  Jesua 
Christ. 

Why  is  it  called  Good  Friday? 

Because  of  the  great  good  which  God  ac- 
complished for  mankind  by  giving  His  only 
begotten  Son  to  die  on  that  day  for  our  sins, 
and  because  of  the  Saviour's  goodness  in  giving 
Himself  a  ransom  for  our  souls. 

How  do  we  know  that  Christ  was  crucified  on 
this  day  ? 

We  know  it  because  the  crucifixion  occurred 
on  the  day  before  the  Jewish  Passover,  which 
is  an  anniversary  fixed  by  God  Himself  at  the 
Paschal  full  moon,  and  is  kept  by  the  Jews  ta 
this  very  day. 

What  feelings  ought  the  death  and  passion 
of  our  Lord  to  awaken  in  us  ? 

The  liveliest  emotions  of  love  and  gratitude  to 
Christ,  and  the  deepest  sorrow  for  our  sins. 


151 


How  ought  Good  Friday  always  to  be  ob- 
served ? 

As  a  day  of  fasting  and  abstinence  from  al~ 
worldly  occupation,  to  be  spent  in  undisturbed 
devotion.  , 

Easter. 

What  memorable  event  does  the  Church  com. 
memorate  on  Easter  Day  ? 

The  Saviour's  resurrection  from  the  dead. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  Easter? 

It  comes  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  word  "  Ostre,'' 
and  means  "  rising." 

What  great  facts  are  made  certain  by  the 
Saviour's  resurrection  ? 

(1)  The  fact  of  the  Lord's  divinity;  for  while 
others  were  raised  from  the  dead,  Christ  arose 
by  His  own  inherent  power.  (2)  The  immortali- 
ty of  the  soul,  which  before  the  Saviour's  resur- 
rection was  only  a  matter  of  speculation.  (3) 
The  truth  of  all  that  Christ  claimed  in  regard  to 
Himself,  for  His  resurrection  from  the  dead 
placed  the  seal  of  God's  approval  on  all  that  He 
ever  said  or  did. 

How  should  Easter  Day  be  celebrated  ? 

It  is  the  queen  of  Christian  festivals,  to  bo 
observed  always  as  a  day  of  holy  rejoicing,  and 
solemnized  in  church  by  a  celebration  of  the 
Eucharistic  feast. 


152 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


What  authority  is  there  in  che  Bible  for  cele- 
brating Easter  Day  ? 
The  authority  of  Christ's  own  apostles.  (1  Cor. 

5:  7,  8). 

"When  does  Easter  Day  always  occur  ? 

On  the  first  Sunday  after  the  full  moon  which 
happens  on  or  after  March  21st;  and  if  the  full 
moon  happens  on  a  Sunday,  Easter  Day  is  the 
Sunday  after.  (It  can  therefore  never  occur 
earlier  than  March  22d,  nor  later  than  April 
25th). 

How  long  does  the  Easter  season  last  ? 
It  lasts  forty  days,  i.e.,  until  the  Festival  of  the 
Ascension. 

Ascension  Bay. 

"What  great  event  does  the  Church  commem- 
orate on  Ascension  Day  ? 

The  ascension  of  our  Blessed  Lord  into 
heaven. 

"Why  is  this  day  kept  just  forty  days  after 

Easter? 

Because  the  Saviour  ascended  into  heaven 
just  forty  days  after  His  resurrection. 

What  important  truths  are  established  by  the 
Lord's  ascension  ? 

(1)  It  was  the  last  and  final  proof  of  His  di- 
vinity; (2)  it  removed  all  future  possibility  of 
doubt  and  uncertainty  from  the  minds  of  His 
apostles;  (3)  it  was  the  perfecting  and  comple- 


ASCENSION  DAY. 


153 


tton  of  the  work  of  the  Atonement  for  which  He 
came. 

What  was  the  difference  between  the  Ascen- 
sion of  Christ  and  the  ascension  of  Enoch  and 
Elijah  ? 

Enoch  was  "taken"  and  Elijah  was  "carried 
up  into  heaven  "  by  a  power  external  to  them- 
selves; Christ  "  ascended  "  by  His  own  divine  in- 
herent power. 

How  long  does  Ascension-tide  last  ? 

Ten  days,  beginning  at  Ascension  Day  and 
continuing  till  Whitsun-Day 

Did  our  Lord  lay  aside  His  human  body  and 
His  human  nature  when  He  ascended  into 
heaven  ? 

No;  He  went  up  with  His  glorified  human 
body  and  His  divine  and  human  natures  insepa- 
rably united. 

What  is  meant  by  Christ's  "  glorified  body  "  ? 

The  same  body  in  which  he  lived  before  His 
crucifixion,  but  so  changed  that  it  was  no  lon- 
ger subservient  to  the  laws  of  matter. 

With  what  feelings  should  we  commemorate 
the  Lord's  Ascension  ? 

With  feelings  of  joy  and  exultation,  because 
the  ascension  was  the  triumphant  completion 
of  His  redeeming  work.  Had  He  remained  on 
earth  or  mysteriously  disappeared  instead  of 
ascending  up  visibly  into  heaven,  whence  He 


154 


1SE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


came,  His  career  would  have  been  manifestly 

incomplete. 

What  do  we  learn  from  the  fact  that  Christ 
ascended  bodily  into  heaven  ? 

It  teaches  us  that  since  Christ,  the  man,  as- 
cended  into  heaven,  we  also  may  enter  heaven 
and  dwell  there,  not  as  disembodied  spirits,  but 
as  men,  with  body,  soul,  and  spirit. 

On  what  do  we  base  this  belief  ? 

On  the  plainest  statements  of  Holy  Scripture, 
which  tell  us  that  Christ  is  the  Head,  and  that 

where  He  is  we  shall  be  also,"  and  that  "  we 
shall  be  like  Him,"  for  we  shall  g*e  Him  as  He 
is.    (St.  John  14:3,  1  John  3:2 ) 

Wliitsun-Day. 

What  wonderful  event  does  the  Church  com- 
memorate on  Whitsun-Day  ? 

The  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon 
Christ's  disciples  (Acts  2:  2). 

Why  is  Whitsun-day  regarded  a?  the  birth' 
day  of  the  Christian  Church  ? 

Because  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which 
was  then  bestowed  upon  the  apostles,  filled 
them  with  wisdom  and  power  for  the  work 
which  Christ  had  given  them  to  do,  and  they 
began  to  do  it,  and  the  old  dispensation  passed 
into  the  new,  and  the  Church  of  Christ  was 
born. 

When  did  this  miracle  take  place? 


WHITSUN— DAT. 


155 


Ten  days  after  the  Lord's  Ascension,  on  the 
Jewish  Festival  of  Pentecost. 

Why  is  it  called  Pentecost  ? 

Because  it  occurs  fifty  days  after  the  Jewish 
Passover,  and  so  fifty  days  after  Easter. 

For  what  purpose  was  the  Holy  Ghost  sent 
down? 

To  teach  the  Apostles  and  to  bring  all  things 
to  their  remembrance  which  Christ  had  taught 
them  (St.  John  14:26). 

Does  this  gift  still  abide  with  the  Church  ? 

Yes;  "  He  shall  abide  with  you  forever  "  (St. 
John  14:  16). 

If  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  still  bestowed 
upon  the  Church,  why  does  not  the  Christian 
ministry  still  have  power  to  work  miracles  as 
the  Apostles  did  ? 

Miraculous  powers  were  at  first  bestowed 
upon  the  ministers  of  Christ  as  their  credentials 
to  an  unbelieving  world  that  God  had  sent 
them;  but  when  the  Church  became  established 
in  the  world  these  powers  were  no  longer 
needed  and  they  were  accordingly  withdrawn. 

What  is  the  office  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the 
Church  to-day  ? 

To  guide  the  disciples  into  all  truth,  to  be 
their  Comforter,  to  strengthen  the  weak,  and  to 
purify  our  hearts. 

How  long  does  Whitsun-tide  last  ? 


£56  THE  PKAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 

Only  one  week,  till  Trinity  Sunday. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  Whitsun  ? 

It  is  a  corruption  of  the  German  "  Pfingsten, " 
which  means  Pentecost  or  fiftieth,  and  is  so 
called  because  it  occurs  fifty  days  after  Easter. 

The  Transfiguration. 

What  great  event  in  the  Saviour's  life  does 
the  Church  commemorate  by  this  festival  ? 

The  Transfiguration  of  Christ  (St.  Matt.  17: 
1-8;  St.  Mark  9:1-8;  St.  Luke  9:  28-36). 

What  was  the  purpose  of  this  wonderful 
transaction  ? 

It  was  (1)  to  strengthen  the  faith  of  His  dis- 
ciples and  to  fortify  them  against  the  ordeal  of 
His  crucifixion  and  death,  by  giving  them  this 
convincing  proof  that  He  was  the  Messiah;  and 
(2)  to  fulfil  His  promise  that  some  of  His  disci- 
ples should  see  His  kingdom  before  they  died 
(St.  Luke  9:  27). 

In  what  way  was  this  promise  fulfilled  by  the 
Transfiguration  ? 

During  our  Lord's  sojourn  on  earth  His  di- 
vinity had  been  hidden  beneath  the  drapery  of 
His  human  nature;  but  in  the  Transfiguration 
He  glorified  His  humanity,  assuming  for  a  short 
time  the  condition  which  would  be  His  con- 
stantly in  heaven,  thus  showing  His  apostles 
what  His  kingdom  would  be. 


THE  TRANSFIGURATION. 


157 


What  is  meant  by  Christ's  glorified  humanity, 
and  when  did  it  become  glorified  ? 

His  glovified  humanity  is  His  human  nature 
as  it  is  now  in  heaven.  It  became  glorified 
first  for  a  short  time  when  He  transfigured 
Himself  on  the  mount,  and  afterward  forever 
when  He  had  ascended  into  heaven. 

What  do  we  learn  from  Christ's  glorified  hu- 
man nature  respecting  our  own  future  condition 
after  the  General  Eesurrection  in  the  last  day  ? 

When  our  bodies  shall  have  passed  through 
death  and  the  grave  and  have  risen  again  they 
will  be  "  changed,"  St.  Paul  says,  "  in  a  mo- 
ment, in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  and  they  shall 
become  like  Christ's  glorified  body,  and  shall 
shine  as  stars  with  different  degrees  of  splendor, 
as  one  star  differeth  from  another  star  in  glory. " 
(1  Cor.  15:  52;  Phil.  3:  21;  Dan.  12:  3). 

Why  were  Moses  and  Elias  present  at  the 
Lord's  Transfiguration  ? 

Moses  represented  the  Law  and  Elias  the 
Prophets,  and  both  were  here  to  give  testimony 
to  the  Saviour. 

What  practical  lessons  are  taught  by  this 
miracle  of  the  Transfiguration  ? 

(1)  The  presence  of  Moses  and  Elias  talking 
with  Christ  shows  that  the  saints  who  have  died 
and  passed  away  from  the  earth  have  not  ceased 
U>  be.  bufc  still  live  and  feel  an  interest  in  our 


(38  THE  PRATER  BOOK  REASON  WOT. 

welfare;  (2)  the  mysterious  voice  which  came 
from  heaven,  saying,  "  This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
hear  Him,"  teaches  that  we  must  give  to  Chris* 
our  unreserved  obedience. 

Trinity  Sunday. 
What  great  doctrine  of  Christianity  does  the 
Church  commemorate  on  Trinity  Sunday? 
The  doctrine  of  the  Trinity. 
What  is  this  doctrine  ? 

That  there  is  one  God  in  three  persons,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Why  do  we  believe  this  doctrine  ? 

Because  it  is  one  of  the  truths  revealed  to  us 
in  Holy  Scripture,  and  much  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment would  be  unintelligible  without  it. 

In  what  way  is  this  doctrine  made  known  to 
us  in  the  Bible  ? 

The  Bible  teaches  us  that  there  is  One  only 
and  true  God,  and  yet  it  speaks  of  the  Father, 
the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  each  as  God, 
possessing  the  attributes  of  deity  and  wielding 
the  powers  of  deity,  and  it  speaks  of  all  these 
three  as  One. 

What  are  some  of  the  texts  of  Scripture  by 
which  these  facts  are  established  ? 

(1)  That  there  is  one  God  (Isa.  44:  6-8;  2 
Sam.  7:  22;  Deut.  6;  (2)  that  the  Father  is 
God  (St.  Matt.  6:  9;  St.  John  20:  17;  Rom.  9; 


MOVABLE  FEASTS  AND  FASTS.  151 

25;  2  Cor.  6:  18);  (3)  that  the  Son  is  God  (St. 
John  1:  1;  20:  28;  Heb.  1: 1-8;  1  Tim.  3: 16);  (4) 
that  the  Spirit  is  God  (Acts  5:  3,  4;  1  Cor.  2: 
ll;Ps.  139:  7). 

What  do  we  conclude  from  these  texts  ? 

That  there  is  one  divine  nature  common  to 
these  three  persons,  who  are  incomprehensibly 
united  and  yet  ineffably  distinct. 

When  does  Trinity  season  begin,  and  how 
many  Sundays  does  it  include  ? 

It  begins  one  week  after  Whitsun-Day  and 
contains  from  twenty-two  to  twenty-seven  Sun- 
days, according  as  Easter  comes  early  or  late. 

Movable  Feasts  and  Fasts. 
nai  are  the  days  called  which  depend  on 
the  date  of  Easter,  and  why  ? 

They  are  called  "  movable ,;  feasts  because 
they  do  not  always  come  on  the  same  day  of 
the  month,  but  are  dependent  on  the  date  of 
Easter. 

What  are  the  immovable  feasts  ? 

They  are  Christmas,  the  Circumcision,  the 
Epiphany,  the  Presentation  of  Christ  in  the 
Temple,  the  Annunciation,  the  Transfiguration, 
and  the  Saints'  Days. 

Why  is  Easter  a  movable  feast? 

Because  the  crucifixion  of  our  Lord,  which 
fixes  the  time  of  the  resurrection,  took  place  at 


1G0 


THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


the  time  of  the  Jewish  Passover,  which  was  de- 
pendent on  the  moon. 

What  are  the  Ember  Days  ? 

They  are  days  set  apart  during  the  four  sea- 
sons of  the  year  for  prayers  for  divine  aid  in 
the  choice  of  ministers  of  the  Church. 

When  do  they  occur  ? 

They  are  the  Wednesdays,  Fridays,  and  Sat- 
urdays occurring  after  the  first  Sunday  in  Lent, 
after  Whitsun-Day,  and  after  September  14th 
and  December  13th. 

Rogation  Bays. 

What  are  the  Rogation  Days,  and  why  are 
they  so  called  ? 

They  are  the  Monday,  Tuesday,  and  Wed- 
nesday before  Ascension  Day;  they  are  called 
'  Rogation  "  days  from  the  Latin  word  rogare, 
meaning  to  beseech. 

Why  are  these  days  set  apart,  and  how  are 
they  to  be  observed? 

They  are  set  apart  for  fasting  and  special 
prayers,  that  since  we  are  deprived  of  the  bodi- 
ly presence  of  the  Saviour,  we  may  have  the 
presence  and  comfort  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Saints'  Dags. 
What  are  the  Saints'  Days  ? 
They  are  days  set  apart  in  honor  of  the  first 
martyrs,  and  those  mentioned  in  the  Gospel  as 


saints'  days. 


1G1 


most  nearly  connected  with  our  Blessed  Lord 
in  the  work  of  establishing  His  Church;  and  (2) 
as  e.  g.  All  Saints'  Day,  in  commemoration  of  all 
who  have  departed  this  life  in  the  true  faith  of 
God's  holy  name. 

Why  are  they  set  apart  ? 

In  order  that  we  may  be  led  to  study  their 
lives  and  emulate  their  virtues  and  thank  God 
for  their  good  examples. 

When  and  how  did  the  custom  of  observing 
saints'  days  originate  ? 

The  first  record  we  have  of  it  is  in  the  2nd 
century,  though  it  probably  existed  earlier  than 
that.  It  grew  out  of  the  custom  among  the 
primitive  Christians  of  meeting  at  the  graves  of 
their  martyrs  on  the  anniversaries  of  their  deaths 
to  celebrate  their  virtues  and  to  bless  God  for 
their  pure  lives  and  their  heroic  examples. 

What  great  truth  is  impressed  upon  our 
minds  by  the  observance  of  the  saints'  days  ? 

That  the  saints  on  earth  are  fellow-citizens 
with  the  saints  in  paradise,  and  all,  whether 
living  or  dead,  are  members  of  one  and  the 
same  great  family  and  household  of  God. 


APPENDIX. 


Church  Colors  and  Symbols. 

Why  are  different  colors  used  about  the  altar 
and  chancel  of  our  churches  during  the  different 
seasons  of  the  Church  year  ? 

To  bring  before  our  minds  certain  great 
truths  of  the  Gospel. 

What  colors  are  principally  used  ? 

Ked,  Green,  Purple  or  Violet,  Black  and 
White. 

What  does  Red  indicate,  and  when  is  it  used? 

It  symbolizes  love  and  zeal.  It  is  used  on 
Whit-Sunday,  as  emblematical  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  which,  on  the  first  Christian  Whit-Sun- 
jday,  descended  in  the  shape  of  fiery,  cloven 
tongues  on  the  heads  of  the  Apostles.  It  is  also 
the  color  of  blood,  and  is  used  on  days  commem- 
orative of  the  Martyrs. 

What  does  Green  indicate  ? 

It  is  the  color  of  Spring,  and  is  emblematical 
of  hope.  It  is  the  general  color  of  the  year,  and 
162 


CHURCH  COLORS  AND  SYMBOLS.  163 


is  used  when  no  special  truth  or  doctrine  is  to 
be  emphasized. 

"What  does  Purple  indicate  ? 
It  is  the  color  of  royalty,  and  is  used  in  Ad- 
vent to  symbolize  the  regal  character  of  Christ, 
suggested  by  the  words  "  Tell  ye  the  daughter 
of  Sion,  Behold  Thy  King  cometh  unto  thee," 
etc.    Zech.  ix.  9. 

"What  does  Violet  symbolize  ? 
Violet  is  emblematical  of  humility  and  self- 
abasement.    It  is  used  in  Lent,  as  most  suitable 
for  seasons  of  fasting  and  humiliation. 
What  is  the  significance  of  "  Black  "  ? 
Black  is  indicative  of  profound  grief  and  sor- 
row.   It  is  used  on  Good  Friday,  as  most  suit- 
able to  the  day  which  commemorates  the  Cruci- 
fixion of  the  Saviour*. 

What  does  White  indicate  ? 
White  is  the  emblem  of  purity  and  joy.  It  is 
used  at  Christmas  and  Easter,  and  all  feasts  of 
our  Lord,  and  on  days  commemorative  of  the 
Innocents  and  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  on 
some  other  days. 

Lights  or  Candles. 
What  do  the  lights  or  candles  mean  which 
are  sometimes  placed  in  the  chancel  or  on  the 
altar? 

They  symbolize  the  Divine  presence  in  the 
sanctuary  and  the  spiritual  enlightenment  which 
the  Gospel  brings. 


164  THE  PRAYER  BOOK.  REASON  WHY. 


What  words  of  Christ  suggest  this  ? 

"I  am  the  light  of  the  world."  See  St.  John 
riii.  12;  St.  Matt.  iv.  16;  St.  Luke  ii.  32. 

What  was  the  origin  of  this  custom  ? 

Lights  were  first  used  by  the  early  Christians 
for  the  purpose  of  illumination,  when  they  were 
obliged,  on  account  of  persecution,  to  meet  for 
worship  secretly,  in  the  night  or  before  day- 
break, and  afterwards  their  use  was  retained,  for 
the  sake  of  their  beauty  and  significance. 

For  what  other  purpose  are  they  used  ? 

To  make  our  churches  bright  and  beautiful, 
and  to  drive  away  darkness,  just  as  the  Gospel 
should  drive  away  sin  and  sadness  from  our 
hearts. 

Is  there  any  authority  in  Holy  Scripture  for 
the  symbolic  use  of  lights  in  God's  house  ? 

See  Ex.  xxv.  31;  xl.  25;  Levit.  xxiv.  2;  II 
Chron.  xiii.  11. 

What  do  we  infer  from  these  texts? 

Not  that  the  symbolic  use  of  lights  is  neces- 
sary in  Christian  Churches,  but  only  that  what 
God  commanded  under  the  Old  Testament  dis- 
pensation cannot  be  sinful  under  the  New. 

Flowers. 

Why  are  flowers  often  placed  in  the  Church? 
To  make  God's  house  beautiful,  just  as  He 
lias  used  them  to  beautify  the  world. 


CHURCH  COLORS  AND  SYMBOLS. 


165 


What  do  they  symbolize  ? 

(1.)  Their  beauty  and  fragrance  remind  us 
of  God's  goodness.  (2.)  Their  purity  and 
beauty  remind  us  of  the  graces  and  loveliness  of 
the  Christian  character.  (3.)  Their  perennial 
bloom  reminds  us  of  the  Resurrection. 

The  Cross. 

What  is  the  commonest  symbol  used  in  the 
Church  ? 
The  Cross. 

Why  is  this  used  so  generally,  and  what  does 
it  mean  ? 

The  Saviour  died  upon  a  cross,  and  ever  since 
that  time  the  cross  has  been  used  as  the  symbol 
of  the  Christian  religion  and  of  our  faith  in 
Christ.  It  is  the  emblem  of  suffering  and  self- 
sacrifice. 

I.  H.  8. 

What  do  the  letters  I.  H.  S.  mean? 

They  are  the  first  letters  of  the  Greek  word 
Jesus;  also  the  initial  letters  of  three  Latin 
words  Jesus  Hominum  Salvator,  meaning  Jesus 
the  Saviour  of  men. 

X.  P. 

What  do  the  letters  X.  P.  mean? 

They  are  the  first  two  Greek  letters  in  the 
name  "Christ."  They  were  used  by  Constantino 
on  his  banners,  and  hence  the  monogram  «P-  is 
called  the  Labarum,  or  Standard  of  Constantino. 


166 


THE  F-BAYEE  BOOK  EEASON  WHY. 


The  Triangle. 

What  does  the  "  triangle  "  mean  when  used  in 
Christian  art  ? 

It  consists  of  three  points  equidistant  from 
each  other,  and  connected  by  three  unbroken 
lines.  It  is  used  as  an  emblem  of  the  blessed 
Trinity,  and  symbolizes  the  equality  and  oneness 
of  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 

The  Circle. 
What  does  the  "  circle  "  mean  ? 
It  indicates  completeness  and  perfection,  and 
is  an  emblem  of  eternity. 

The  Crown. 

What  does  the  "  corona"  or  "  crown"  signify  ? 

It  is  the  emblem  of  victory  over  sin  and  death. 
See  Rev.  iv.  4,  and  xix.  12.  The  crown  or  wreath 
of  thorns  symbolizes  the  sufferings  of  Christ. 

The  Alpha  and  Omega. 

What  do  the  signs  A  and  £1  mean  ? 

They  are  the  first  and  last  letters  of  the  Greek 
alphabet,  and  signify  the  "beginning  and  end." 
They  symbolize  Christ,  who  calls  Himself  the 
First  and  the  Last,  the  Beginning  and  the  End. 
Rev.  xxii.  13. 

The  Lamb. 
What  does  the  "lamb"  signify? 


CHURCH  COLORS  AND  SYMBOLS. 


1P>7 


The  lamb  is  an  emblem  of  meekness  and  gen- 
tleness, and  hence  has  been  used  as  an  emblem 
«f  the  Saviour.  Isaiah  speaks  of  Him  as  a 
''lamb  brought  to  the  slaughter,"  etc.   Is.  liii.  7. 

The  Dove. 

"What  does  the  "  Dove  "  mean  ? 

When  Jesus  was  baptized  in  the  River  J ordan, 
the  Spirit  of  God  descended  upon  Him  in  bodily 
shape  like  a  dove.  St.  Luke  iii.  22.  The  figure 
of  the  Dove  is  therefore  used  as  an  emblem  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

Tlie  Pelican. 

What  does  the  "  pelican  "  signify  ? 

The  "pelican"  was  believed,  by  the  ancients, 
to  nourish  her  young  with  her  own  blood:  hence 
it  was  taken  to  symbolize  the  love  of  Christ  for 
His  Church.  It  may  also  mean  the  love  of  the 
Church  for  her  children. 

The  Evangelical  Symbols. 

What  figures  are  used  as  emblems  of  the  fouf 
Evangelists  ? 

The  "  Man,"  the  "  Lion,"  the  "  Ox,"  and  the 
"Eagle." 

Which  is  the  emblem  of  St.  Matthew  ? 
The  figure  of  the  "  man,"  because  the  human- 
ity of  Christ  is  set  forth  in  St.  Matthew's  Gospel 


1G8        THE  PRAYER  BOOK  REASON  WHY. 


with  special  clearness.  It  begins  by  setting 
.forth  the  human  genealogy  of  our  Lord. 

What  is  the  emblem  of  St.  Mark  ? 

The  "lion,"  because  this  Evangelist  sets  forth 
the  royal  dignity  of  Christ,  who  is  spoken  of  as 
"the  lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah." 

What  docs  the  "ox"  signify? 

The  "ox"  is  the  emblem  of  St.  Luke,  because 
this  Evangelist  dwells  especially  on  the  priest- 
hood of  Christ,  and  the  "ox"  in  olden  times  was 
the  emblem  of  priestly  sacrifice. 

What  docs  the  eagle  signify? 

The  "eagle"  symbolizes  lofty  aspiration,  and 
is  used  as  the  emblem  of  St.  John,  because  this 
disciple  rose  to  the  highest  flight  of  inspiration 
in  his  contemplation  of  Divine  mysteries. 

"All  glory,  laud,  and  honor, 
To  thee,  Redeemer,  King." 


NOTES. 


Note  I. 

The  question  is  sometimes  asked  by  ignorant 
persons,  "Was  not  your  Church  founded  by 
Henry  VIII.  ?  Where  was  your  Church  before 
the  Reformation  ?" 

We  reply  that  our  Church  before  the  Refor- 
mation was  just  where  it  is  now.  Many  believe 
that  it  was  planted  in  Britain  by  St.  Paul. 
During  the  conquest  of  the  country  by  the  bar- 
barian invaders  the  Church  was  greatly  devas- 
tated, but  not  utterly  destroyed.  In  the  Sixth 
Century  Pope  Gregory  1.  sent  Augustine  (who 
afterward  became  Archbishop  of  Canterbury) 
with  forty  monks  as  missionaries  to  Britain. 
Conferences  were  held  with  the  British  bishops 
and  clergy  (many  of  whom  had  taken  refuge  in 
Wales)  and  the  heathen  conquerors  were  rapidly 
converted  to  the  Christian  faith.  The  emmis- 
saries  of  the  Pope  succeeded  gradually  in  estab- 
lishing the  supremacy  of  Papal  authority  over 
the  island,  but  at  the  time  of  the  Reformation 
this  supremacy  of  the  Pope  was  cast  off,  the 

169 


170 


NOTES. 


clergy  and  people  of  England  refusing  longer  to 
submit  to  Papal  domination.  They  also  dis- 
carded certain  false  doctrines  and  mischievous 
practices  which  had  gradually  grown  up  in  the 
Church.  But,  with  the  exception  of  these  errors, 
it  was  the  same  Church  after  the  Eeformation 
that  it  was  before,  just  as  a  tree  is  the  same  tree 
after  the  warts  and  dead  branches  have  been  cut 
off  that  it  was  before.  The  Eeformation  was 
merely  the  lopping  off  by  the  Church  of  certain 
excrescences  and  unhealthy  growths  that  had 
fastened  themselves  upon  it ;  it  was  in  no  sense 
the  founding  of  a  new  Church  by  Henry  VIII. 
or  anyone  else.  Suppose  the  Catholic  Church 
in  France,  aided  by  the  President  of  the  French 
Eepublic,  should  secure  legislation  changing 
some  of  her  present  rules  and  practices,  would 
that  be  the  founding  of  a  new  Church,  or  would 
that  make  President  Loubet  the  founder  of  the 
Church  in  France?  If  not,  then  how  can  we 
say  that  the  Church  of  England  was  a  new 
Church  founded  by  Henry  VIII.  at  the  time  of 
the  Eeformation  ? 

"To  say  that  the  aid  which  Henry  VIII.  gave 
to  the  Eeformation  made  him  the  founder  of  the 
Church  of  England  is  just  as  absurd  as  it  would 
be  to  say  that  Constantine  was  the  founder  of 
Christianity  because  he  gave  it  his  royal  recog- 
nition."   (B.  S.  Barrett.) 


NOTES. 


171 


Note  II. 

The  two  witnesses  to  Catholic  truth  are  the 
primitive  Church  and  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
any  teaching  which  is  contradicted  hy  either  of 
these  witnesses  is  plainly  a  modern  invention. 
Amongst  these  modern  inventions  and  uncath- 
olic  usages  we  place  the  Romish  doctrine  of 
Papal  Infallibility,  the  Immaculate  Conception 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  Indulgences,  Pur- 
gatory, the  superstitious  veneration  of  relics  and 
images,  the  Invocation  of  saints,  enforced 
auricular  confession,  Papal  supremacy,  enforced 
celibacy  of  the  clergy,  withholding  the  cup  from 
the  laity  in  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
denying  liberty  of  conscience  and  the  right  of 
private  judgment.  The  discussion  of  these  sub- 
jects does  not  belong  properly  to  this  book,  but 
some  reader  may  ask  what  reason  there  is  for 
objecting  to  these  doctrines  and  for  characteriz- 
ing them  as  "injurious  to  good  morals  and  to 
the  purity  of  religion."  In  reply  to  this  ques- 
tion let  us  take  c.  g.,  the  matter  of  private  judg- 
ment against  which  Roman  teachers  are  always 
declaiming.  St.  Paul  says,  "Let  every  man  be 
able  to  give  a  reason  for  the  faith  that  is  in 
him."  "Brethren,"  he  says,  "be  not  children  in 
understanding  (I.  Cor.  14:  20).  Prove  all 
things;  hold  fast  that  which  is  good  (I.  Thess. 
5:  21)."    But  the   current   teaching   of  the 


L72 


NOTES 


Roman  Church  is  that  lay  people  should  "sacri- 
fice their  intellect"  and  subject  it  to  their  ec- 
clesiastical teachers,  not  on  the  ground  of  their 
superior  learning,  but  because  of  their  official 
standing.  Cardinal  Bellarmine  says,  "If  the 
Pope  should  err"  (which,  of  course,  he  assumes 
to  be  impossible,  but  if  the  Pope  should  err)  by 
enjoining  vices  and  forbidding  virtues,  the 
Church  would  he  obliged  to  believe  vices  to  be 
good  and  virtues  bad,  unless  it  would  sin  against 
conscience"  (De  Pontif  IV.  5).  But  what  is 
more  misleading  than  to  speak  of  sacrificing  the 
intellect,  or  abjuring  our  private  judgment  ?  A 
man  can  no  more  get  rid  of  his  private  judg- 
ment than  he  can  jump  away  from  his  shadow. 
It  is  just  as  much  an  act  of  private  judgment  to 
say,  "I  will  do  and  believe  exactly  what  my 
director  tells  me,"  as  it  is  to  say,  "I  will  believe 
and  do  only  what  appeals  to  my  reason  and  my 
conscience."  "A  babe  or  an  idiot  cannot  exer- 
cise private  judgment,  but  every  person  of  or- 
dinary understanding  must  do  so."  But  the 
amusing  part  of  it  is  that  Roman  teachers  ask 
us  to  use  our  private  judgment  to  see  how  wrong 
and  absurd  our  Protestant  position  is,  and  as 
soon  as  a  man  is  converted  and  joins  the  Roman 
Church  they  tell  him  it  is  wrong  and  sinful  to 
exercise  his  private  judgment;  he  must  submit 
then  to  the  guidance  of  the  Church. 


NOTES. 


173 


Again,  the  Koman  Church  withholds  the  Bible 
from  the  people.  Our  Lord  says,  "Search  the 
Scriptures,  for  they  are  they  which  testify  of 
me."  "Do  ye  not  err  because  ye  know  not  the 
Scripture."  St.  Mark  11:24.  St.  Paul  says, 
"Whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime 
were  'written  for  our  learning,  that  we 
through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scrip- 
ture might  have  hope"  (  Eom.  15  :4) .  But  what 
does  the  Roman  Church  say  ?  The  Fourth  Bule 
of  the  Index  of  Prohibited  Books,  approved  by 
Pope  Pius  IV.,  and  still  in  force,  says,  "Book- 
sellers who  shall  sell  or  in  any  other  way  furnish 
Bibles  in  the  vulgar  tongue  to  anyone  not  hav- 
ing a  license  from  the  Bishop  or  Inquisitor  to 
read  them,  shall  forfeit  the  price  of  the  look, 
and  shall  be  otherwise  punished  at  the  pleasure 
of  the  Bishop."  Whose  voice  ought  one  to  obey 
— the  voice  of  God  speaking  through  the  Bible, 
or  the  voice  of  the  corrupt  Papal  Church? 

Another  reason  why  we  reject  the  authority 
of  the  Roman  Church  is  because  her  system  of 
casuistry  is  subversive  of  moral  integrity.  The 
Bible  teaches  us  that  "Lying  lips  are  an  abom- 
ination to  the  Lord"  (Prov.  12:  21).  St.  Paul 
says,  "Wherefore,  putting  away  lying,  speak 
every  man  truth  with  his  neighbor"  (Eph. 
4 :  25) .  St.  John  says  that  "All  liars  shall  have 
their  portion  in  the  lake  which  burneth  with  fire 


174 


NOTES. 


and  brimstone"  (Kev.  21:  8).  But  Francis 
Liguori,  the  most  authoritative  teacher  of  mor- 
als in  the  Roman  Church,  asserts  that  "equivo- 
cation or  mental  reservation  is  lawful  at  all 
times,  and  may  he  confirmed  with  an  oath  for  a 
just  cause  which  aims  at  retaining  any  good 
filings  that  are  useful  to  body  or  spirit"  (Tbeol. 
Mor.  IV.  151-162).  A  well-known  maxim  of 
Roman  Canon  law  is  this:  "An  oath  taken 
against  ecclesiastical  interests  does  not  bind" 
(Decret.  Greg.  IX.,  I.,  XXV.  27).  Another  is 
this:  "No  one  is  obliged  to  keep  faith  with  ex- 
communicated persons  until  they  have  been  rec- 
onciled" (Decret.  I.  Cans.  XV.  Quaest  VI. 
4,5). 

The  acceptance  and  practice  of  this  doctrine 
may  account  for  the  notorious  untrustworthi- 
ness  and  disregard  of  honest  truthfulness  in 
Roman  Catholic  books  of  religious  controversy ; 
it  may  also  account  for  the  notoriously  low 
standard  of  veracity  among  Roman  Catholic 
populations. 

Take,  again,  the  matter  of  Indulgences.  Ac- 
cording to  the  Roman  doctrine,  "the  blood  of 
Christ,  together  with  the  merits  and  prayers  of 
all  the  saints  over  and  above  what  were  needed 
for  their  own  salvation,  constitute  an  inex- 
haustible treasury  or  bank  on  which  the  Pope 
has  a  right  to  draw  and  apply  the  drafts  in  pay- 


NOTES. 


175 


ment  for  the  release  of  other  souls  in  Purga- 
tory; and  anyone  who  obtains  an  Indulgence 
can  apply  its  benefits  to  himself  or  anyone  else 
living  or  dead,"  and  so  secure  a  release  or  ex- 
emption from  punishment  in  the  other  world. 
In  the  first  place,  we  do  not  believe  in  any  such 
treasury  of  saintly  merits,  for  Christ  tells  us 
that  when  we  have  "done  all  that  is  commanded 
we  must  say  that  we  are  unprofitable  servants, 
and  have  only  done  what  was  our  duty  to  do" 
(St.  Luke  17  :  10).  This  shows  that  no  one  has 
any  merits  to  spare.  But  it  is  easy  to  see  how 
this  doctrine  resulted  in  abuses  which  horrified 
all  right-thinking  people  at  the  time  of  the 
Reformation  and  finally  drove  Luther  to  open 
revolt  against  the  Papal  authority.  The  sale  of 
indulgences  became  simply  the  sale  of  licenses 
to  commit  every  sort  of  crime,  even  robbery, 
murder,  incest,  adultery,  perjury,  patricide  and 
arson.  There  is  a  book  still  extant  ("Taxes  of 
the  Sacred  Apostolic  Penitentiary")  that  con- 
tains the  tariff  charged  for  absolution  for  these 
different  kinds  of  sin. 

When  we  recall  how  one  Pope  (Gregory  VII.) 
offered  remission  of  sins  to  all  who  would  take 
up  arms  against  the  Emperor,  and  how  another 
(Innocent  III.) offered  the  same  to  anyone  who 
would  take  up  arms  against  the  Albigenses  and 
hell)  exterminate  heretics;  when  we  recall  the 


[76 


NOTES. 


horrors  and  atrocities  of  the  Inquisition,  the 
religious  intolerance  and  persecutions  once  prac- 
ticed by  the  Papal  Church,  and  then  read  the 
utterance  of  one  of  her  recent  Cardinals  (Her- 
genrottier,  Katholesche,  Kirche  und  Christich- 
ner  Staat,  Vol.  L,  p.  804,  Note  I.)  that  the 
"Church  does  not  in  principle  renounce  any 
rights  which  she  has  once  exercised,"  we  feel 
amply  justified  in  characterizing  the  teachings 
and  practices  of  that  Church  as  "injurious  to 
good  morals  and  to  the  purity  of  religion." 

Consider  lastly  the  matter  of  Papal  Infalli- 
bility. All  Roman  Catholics  are  required  to 
believe  that  the  Pope,  by  virtue  of  his  office, 
cannot  err  in  any  matter  of  doctrine  or  morals, 
when  speaking  ex  cathedra. 

Two  Popes,  Paul  V.  and  Urban  VIII. ,  speak- 
ing ex  cathedra,  condemned  Galileo  for  teaching 
that  the  earth  revolved  around  the  sun,  declar- 
ing his  opinions  to  be  "false  and  unscriptural 
and  destructive  of  Catholic  truth."  But  who  is 
there  to-day  who  docs  not  believe  that  the  earth 
revolves  about  the  sun  ?  One  Pope,  Sixtus  V., 
in  1500,  speaking  ex  cathedra,  issued  a  bull  de- 
claring a  certain  edition  of  the  Vulgate  (Old 
Testament  Scriptures),  which  he  had  corrected 
with  his  own  hand,  to  be  the  sole  authentic 
standard,  and  decreeing  excommunication  as 
the  penalty  for  any  departure  from  it.    It  was 


NOTES. 


177 


soon  discovered,  however,  that  it  contained  a 
great  many  errors,  and  two  years  later  another 
Pope,  Clement  VIII.,  issued,  ex  cathedra,  an- 
other standard,  differing  from  the  first  in  sev- 
eral thousand  places,  and  visiting  the  same  pen- 
alty of  excommunication  upon  any  deviation 
from  it.  Here  is  an  instance  of  two  "Infallible 
Popes"  issuing  decrees  flatly  contradicting  each 
other.  When,  in  addition  to  this,  we  recall  the 
instances  in  which  rival  Popes  have  issued  bulls 
excommunicating  each  other,  and  of  one  Pope 
condemning  as  heretical  the  ex  cathedra  utter- 
ances of  his  predecessor,  we  fail  to  see  how  any- 
one can  accept  the  doctrine  of  Papal  Infalli- 
bility. 

[The  quotations  in  the  above  note  are  from 
Littleddle's  Plain  Reasons  Against  Joining  the 
Church  of  Home,  in  which  all  these  subjects 
here  touched  upon  and  many  others  are  learn- 
edly discussed.] 
Note  III. 

One  of  the  greatest  hindrances  to  the  conver- 
sion of  the  world  and  the  progress  of  the  Church 
at  the  present  time  is  unquestionably  this  sin  of 
schism,  which  so  many  have  unconsciously  fallen 
into. 

But  the  question  is  often  asked,  Suppose  the 
Church  should  become  corrupt,  as  it  was  in  the 
Middle  Ages,  would  we  not  be  justified  in  leav- 


178 


NOTES. 


ing  it?  To  this  we  answer,  emphatically,  no. 
Our  duty  would  be  to  try  and  have  the  abuses 
corrected,  but  nothing  could  ever  justify  us  in 
leaving  it.  We  learn  this  from  the  example  of 
Christ  Himself.  Never  was  a  Church  more  cor- 
rupt than  the  Jewish  Church  when  our  Lord 
was  on  earth,  but  it  was  God's  Church,  and, 
therefore,  the  Son  of  God  did  not  leave  it.  He 
made  no  attempt  to  separate  His  followers  from 
it  nor  to  set  up  any  independent  organization. 
Instead  of  that,  he  obeyed  its  laws  and  con- 
formed to  its  ritual  and  lived  and  died  a  mem- 
ber of  it.  He  rebuked  the  wrongs  and  abuses 
in  the  Church  all  through  His  ministry,  but 
nothing  could  drive  Him  out  of  it.  Although 
the  priesthood  was  corrupt,  He  said  to  His  dis- 
ciples, "The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  sit  in  Moses' 
seat;  all,  therefore,  whatsoever  they  bid  you  ob- 
serve, that  observe  and  do." 

But,  instead  of  following  His  example  by  re- 
maining in  the  Church  at  the  time  of  the  Eef- 
ormation,  and  striving  with  patience  and  loy- 
alty to  correct  the  evils  and  purify  it  of  corrup- 
tion, many  withdrew  from  it  and  started  new 
organizations.  From  that  time  to  the  present 
the  evil  has  been  spreading.  Eeligious  sects  have 
multiplied;  money  and  time  and  strength  have 
been  expended  in  the  support  of  rival  denom- 
inations which  might  better  have  been  spent  in 


NOTES 


170 


sending  missionaries  to  the  heathen.  What  is 
more  disheartening  or  discreditable  to  the  Chris- 
tian religion  than  the  spectacle  that  confronts 
us  in  almost  ever}'  village  in  the  land  of  half  a 
dozen  churches  belonging  to  different  denom- 
inations, each  struggling  for  existence,  when  all 
the  Christian  people  of  the  town  put  together 
would  not  make  more  than  one  good,  flourish- 
ing congregation  ?  What  a  waste  of  resources  it 
involves,  and  how  discouraging  it  is  to  every 
minister  and  to  every  layman  who  has  the  cause 
of  Christ  at  heart.  When  will  Christian  people 
wake  up  to  the  fact  that  these  endless  divisions 
are  not  only  unnecessary,  but  a  hindrance  to 
religion? 
Note  IV. 

The  example  of  Solomon  ( I.  Kings  8:  22)  is 
often  quoted  as  authority  for  standing  in  prayer. 
But  this  does  not  apply  as  the  Greek  word  "an- 
esta,"  which  is  here  translated  "stood,"  simply 
means  "he  took  his  station."  The  same  word  is 
used  in  Acts  7:56,  where  St.  Stephen  says  he 
saw  heaven  opened  and  Jesus  "standing,"  i.  e., 
"stationed,"  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  After 
taking  his  place,  or  station,  Solomon  then 
kneeled  down  and  offered  his  prayer  kneeling, 
as  is  evident  from  verse  54  of  the  same  chapter. 
But  if  kneeling  is  the  proper  attitude  in  prayer, 
why,  it  may  be  asked,  does  the  rubric  in  the 


ISO 


NOTES. 


Prayer  Book  at  the  beginning  of  the  Commun- 
ion Office  direct  the  officiating  priest  to  stand 
throughout  the  entire  service,  except  when  the 
general  confession  and  the  Prayer  of  Humble 
Access  is  said.  The  reason  is  that  the  priest  is 
here  acting  in  his  highest  capacity,  like  the  Jew- 
ish High  Priest,  when  offering  up  sacrifices 
upon  the  altar  in  the  Temple.  He  is  offering 
up,  the  great  memorial  sacrifice  of  the  cross 
and,  as  St.  Paul  says,  is  "Ordained  for  men' 
in  things  pertaining  to  God  that  he  may  offer 
both  gifts  and  sacrifices  for  sin"  (Heb.  5:1). 
While  doing  this  standing  is  the  proper  atti- 
tude, both  for  the  sake  of  dignity  and  con- 
venience. 
Note  V. 

It  is  sometimes  asked  why  this  hymn,  so  full 
of  jubilation,  should  be  used  so  generally  during 
the  season  of  Lenten  fasting  and  humiliation. 
One  reason  given  is  the  traditional  fact  that 
it  was  used  by  the  "three  holy  children"  in  the 
fiery  furnace  (Dan.  3),  and,  therefore,  it  is  a 
proper  hymn  for  Christians  to  use  during  the 
trials  and  discipline  of  the  Lenten  season.  An- 
other and  more  pertinent  reason  is  that  suggest- 
ed by  the  saintly  Herbert  when  he  speaks  of  the 
"dear  feast  of  Lent;''  implying  that  Lent, 
though  a  period  of  fasting  and  bodily  suffering 
and  conflict  with  the  powers  of  evil,  may  yet  be 


NOTES. 


181 


a  spiritual  feast  and  a  time  of  rejoicing  to  the 
soul.   No  one  who  has  once  kept  Lent  truly  can 
be  ignorant  of  what  this  means.   "The  secret  of 
the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear  Him." 
Note  VI. 

It  is  claimed  by  those  not  holding  Catholic 
views  that  this  prayer  of  Christ  that  His  disci- 
ples might  "all  be  one"  has  reference  merely  to 
unity  of  spirit,  and,  therefore,  it  has  nothing  to 
do  with  the  matter  of  schism.  But  how  can 
there  be  unity  of  spirit  where  there  is  not  also 
unity  of  plan  and  harmony  of  action  and  one- 
ness in  organization  ?  Christian  people  may  all 
be  of  one  mind  in  their  desire  to  go  to  heaven, 
but  that  is  not  the  oneness  referred  to  in  this 
prayer.  The  unity  for  which  Christ  prays  here 
is  not  only  unity  of  spirit,  but  an  outward 
and  visible  unity,  a  unity  of  action  and  organ- 
ization, a  unity  that  men  can  see  and  which 
would  be  a  convincing  proof  to  the  world  that 
1 1  e  came  from  God. 

What  is  more  idle  and  absurd  than  to  talk 
about  our  unity  of  spirit  when  Christian  people 
cannot  agree  even  to  worship  or  work  together, 
but  are  divided  into  a  hundred  conflicting  sects. 
It  is  said  by  our  missionaries  in  foreign  lands 
that  one  of  the  gre<  itest  obstacles  in  the  way  of 
conversion  among  the  heathen  is  the  divisions 
ami  rivalries  among  the  Christians  themselves. 


L82 


They  cannot  understand  how  it  is  that  there  .are 
so  many  different  Christian  Churches  bearing 
different  names,  if  they  are  all  one  and  all  have 
the  same  God.  They  say,  very  naturally,  to  the 
missionaries,  "First  be  united  among  yourselves; 
decide  among  yourselves  what  is  truth,  and  then 
we  will  reason  with  you." 

What  a  mighty,  irresistible  power  the  Chris- 
tian Church  would  be  if  all  the  religious  de- 
nominations in  the  world  were  united,  as  the 
States  of  the  Union  are  united  and  bound  to- 
gether in  one  national  organization.  Where  this 
unity  and  harmony  do  not  exist,  where  Chris- 
tians do  not  strive  for  both  the  outward  and  in- 
ward unity  that  Christ  prayed  for,  how  can 
anything  be  expected  either  at  home  or  abroad, 
but  waste  of  resources  and  failure  and  humilia- 
tion ?  What  can  be  plainer  than  the  sinfulness 
of  schism,  that  separates  Christ's  people  into 
opposing  sects,  and  weakens  and  retards  His 
cause  and  is  delaying  the  triumphs  of  His  king- 
dom? Christian  unity  does  not  mean  neces- 
sarily uniformity  of  ritual  or  modes  of  worship, 
but  it  does  mean  unity  of  organization  and  har- 
mony of  plan  in  carrying  on  the  great  work  that 
Christ  has  given  us  to  do. 
Note  VII. 

It  is  to  be  noted  that  the  Lord's  Prayer  here 
is  to  be  said  by  the  Priest  alone,  while  the  rubric 


NOTES. 


183 


in  the  office  for  Morning  Prayer  directs  that 
wherever  it  is  said  in  Divine  service  it  shall  be 
repeated  with  him  by  the  people.  This  may 
seem  at  first  like  a  contradiction ;  but  it  is  not, 
as  the  office  of  the  Holy  Communion  antedates 
the  offices  of  morning  and  evening  prayer,  and 
is,  besides,  the  most  important  of  all  the 
Church's  offices.  Second,  the  prayer  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  communion  office  is  said  by  the 
Priest  alone  as  his  personal  act  of  devotion  in 
preparation  for  the  great  office  of  Holy  Com- 
munion; it  is  a  proper  priestly  act  of  interces- 
sion for  himself  and  the  people  to  whom  he  is 
minister. 
Note  VIII. 

If  "going  down  into  the  water"  means  im- 
mersion, then  Philip  immersed  himself  as  well 
as  the  eunuch,  for  they  both  went  down  into  the 
water.  To  be  consistent,  therefore,  the  minis- 
ter who  holds  to  this  method  of  baptism  should 
immerse  himself  with  every  person  whom  he 
baptizes. 


FURNITURE  AND  ORNAMENTS  OF  THE 
CHURCH  EXPLAINED. 


The  Chief  Ornaments  of  the  Church  are  the  Font, 
which  is  used  in  the  administration  of  Holy  Bap- 
tism, and  the  Altar,  which  serves  for  the  celebration 
of  the  Holy  Communion.  To  these  may  be  added 
the  pulpit,  and  the  seats  in  the  chancel  for  the  choir. 

The  Font  is  generally  placed  near  the  door  to 
show  that  Baptism  is  the  "door"  by  which  we  enter 
into  the  fold  of  Christ's  Church. 

The  portion  reserved  for  the  choir  is  marked  off 
from  the  rest  of  the  church,  because,  as  the  body  of 
the  church  signifies  the  Church  Militant, the  choir  is 
typical  of  the  Church  Triumphant  in  Heaven.  There 
was,  also,  a  division,  similar  to  this,  in  the  Jewish 
Temple. 

The  Altar  is  generally  placed  Ht  the  east  end  cf 
the  church,  in  token  that  Christ  is  the  Sun  of  Right- 
eousness; for  which  reason  it  has  ever  been  the  cus- 
tom of  the  Church  to  worship  towards  the  point 
where  the  sun  rises. 

The  Altar  is  railed  off  from  the  chancel  partly 
from  motives  of  reverence ;  partly  because  the  saci  - 
tuary  is  symbolical  of  the  Holy  of  Holies,  into  which 
the  Priest  entered  to  plead  for  the  people  ;  or  rathtr 
of  that  innermost  Heaven  where  our  Great  High- 
Priest  hath  entered  through  His  flesh  and  where  He 
ever  maketh  intercession  for  us,  pleading  the  merits 
of  His  all-perfect  Sacrifice.     The  Altar  is  made 


[85 


186 


FURNITURE  AND  ORNAMENTS. 


conspicuous  because  it  is  the  holiest  part  of  the 
church.  It  is  used  in  the  highest  act  of  Divine  wor- 
ship, the  Holy  Eucharist);  in  which,  by  the  ministry 
of  His  Church,  the  Eternal  Sen  of  God  offers  His 
Death  and  Passion  to  His  Father.  It  is  raised  be- 
cause our  Blessed  Lord  suffered  on  the  Mount,  and 
it  is  made  of  wood  as  representing  the  Cross;  or  of 
stone  as  symbolical  ot  the  rock  of  Calvary.  The 
front  of  the  Altar  is  covered  with  a  vail  or  hanging 
from  motives  of  respect,  and  in  trder  to  mark  the 
various  seasons  of  the  Church  by  hangings  of  differ- 
ent colours.  These  are  generally  five  in  number, 
according  to  the  Old  English,  or  "Sarum  Use,"  they 
are  White,  signifying  purity;  Red,  devotion;  Pur- 
ple, kingly-power;  Blue,  hope;  Gold,  "the  robe  of 
glory."  Or,  in  most  places  in  this  country,  the 
"colors"  are  White,  signifying  joy;  Red,  the  blood 
of  the  martyrs,  and  the  tongues  of  fire  at  Pentecost; 
Green,  the  color  of  all  nature,  at  Trinity-tide;  Pur- 
ple, the  "black  and  blue"  bruises  of  our  Lord's 
Passion;  and  Black,  signifying  sorrow  and  sadness 
and  gloom.  They  appear  to  be  the  adaptation  of  the 
colors  employed  in  the  Tabernacle  to  the  purposes 
of  Christian  symbolism.  A  Cross  is  placed  above  the 
Altar  to  remind  us  of  the  Death  of  Jesus  Christ, 
which  is  especially  shown  forth  in  the  Holy  Euchar- 
ist. There  are  frequently  two  lights  which  burn  at 
the  time  of  the  Celebration,  to  signify  that  Christ  is 
the  true  light  of  the  world;  and  to  represent  His 
two  natures,  the  Human  and  the  Divine,  both  which 
he  bears  at  the  Right  Hand  of  the  Father  in  Heav- 
en. The  Altar  is  also  decked  with  flowers,  in  honor 
of  Him  who  is  the  Rose  of  Sharon  and  the  Lily  of  the 
Valley.  All  these  are  not  placed  on  the  Altar  proper 
(which  is  reserved  for  the  sacred  vessels  directly 
employed  in  the  offering  of  the  Euchanstic  Sacri- 
fice), but  on  one  or  more  shelves  or  steps,  called  the 
re-table.  There  is  also  a  covering  of  silk,  usually 
crimson,  called  the  super-frontal,  and  a  fair  linen 
cloth  covering  the  top  and  sides. 

The  super-frontal  is  crimson  as  lymDolical  of  the 
Blood -shedding  of  our  Blessed  Lord.    For  a«imilar 


FURNITURE  AND  ORNAMENTS.  187 


reason,  the  fair  linen  cloth,  which  represents  tha 
winding-; heet  in  which  the  dead  Body  ot  oui  Savior 
was  wrapped  at  His  Buiial,  is  marked  with  five 
crosses  as  a  memento  of  His  five  wounds. 

There  aie  also  in  the  sanctuary  the  credence,  and 
the  sedilia  or  seats  for  the  clergy.  The  credence  is 
a  table  or  shelf  at  which  the  elements  are  prepared. 
This  is  done  partly  for  convenience,  partly  out  of 
reverence,  so  that  the  Altar  may  be  entirely  re- 
served for  the  actual  offering  of  the  Holy  Sacrifice. 

There  are  other  ornaments  of  the  Church  ordinar- 
ily used,  viz:  for  the  Altar,  there  are  the  book-desk 
and  service  book  for  the  celebrant;  the  paten,  chal- 
ice, chalice  veil,  corporal,  and  burse;  for  the  cre- 
dence, cruets,  ciborium,  bason,  napkin,  and  alms- 
dish  ;  in  the  nave,  pulpit,  litany-desk, lectern  for  the 
lessons.  In  addition  to  these,  may  be  mentioned 
the  processional-cross  and  banners;  bier  with  pall 
for  funeral,  and  the  baptismal-shell. 

Vestments.— We  have  already  said  that  the  chan- 
cel is  symbolical  of  Heaven.  Those  who  occupy 
it,  as  being  more  directly  engaged  in  the  services  of 
God,  are  clothed  in  "fine  linen,"  which,  as  represent- 
ing "the  righteousness  of  saints,"  is  described  by 
St.  John  as  the  vesture  of  the  Church  Triumphant, 
the  bride  of  Christ  (Rev.  xix.:  8). 

The  surplice  is  worn  over  the  cassock,  which  is 
the  distinguishing  mark  of  all  engaged  in  God's  ser- 
vice. The  stole  is  also  worn  by  the  clergy  and  sym- 
bolizes the  yoke  of  Christ. 

The  Eucbaristic  vestments  or  "ornaments"  are 
the  amice,  alb,  girdle,  stole,  maniple,  and  chasuble. 
These  special  vestments  are  assigned  to  the  Euchar- 
ist to  mark  the  dignity  of  the  service,  and  as  symbol- 
ical of  the  Passion  of  Christ,  which  is  therein  com- 
memorated. The  Church  derived  them  partly  from 
the  ordinary  dress  of  apostolic  times  (preserving, 
however,  a  Syrian  type,  out  of  reverence  to  the 
earthly  life  of  her  Lord.)  and  partly  from  the  sym- 
bolic dress  of  the  Jewish  priesthood.  —  The  Inter- 
national Church  Calendar. 


BOOKS  ON  THE  DOCTRINES  AND  USAGES 
OF  THE  CHURCH. 


Any  person  desiring  clear  and  concise  teaching  on 
the  subject  of  the  doctrines  and  customs  of  the 
Church  should  read  carefully  any  or  all  of  the  fol- 
lowing books,  sold  by  Thomas  Whittaker,  2  Bible 
House,  New  Yoik,  01  James  Pott  &  Co.,  Fourth 
Avenue  and  Twenty-second  Street,  New  York  : 

"Reasons  for  Being  a  Churchman,"  by  Rev.  A. 
W.  Little,  and  "The  Faith  of  the  Gospel,"  by  A.  J. 
Mason;  History  of  English  Church,  by  Perry,  or 
Jennings,  or  Hore;  Bishop  Williams' "Studies  in 
the  Reformation :"  "Plain  Foot-Prints,"  also  Had- 
den's  "Apostolic  Succession,"  Littledale's  "Plain 
Reasons  Against  Joining  the  Church  of  Rome," 
"Public  Worship,"  by  C.  J.  Vaughan,"  Hodges  on 
"Baptism,"  Robert  Wilson  or  Vaughan  on  "  Con- 
firmation," Westcott's  "Bible  in  the  Church." 
"Church  Doctrine— Bible  Truth,"  by  Sadler, 
"Double  Witness  of  the  Church,"  by  Bishop  Kip, 
"Why  Am  I  a  Churchman,"  by  Bishop  Fandall, 
"A  Presbyterian  Clergyman  Looking  for  the 
Church,"  by  Mines,  Bishop  Brown's  ''Church  for 
Americans," 


[88 


INDEX. 


Altar,  

Absolution,  .... 
Acts,  the  Book  of,    .  . 

Advent  

Almsgiving  

Alpha  and  Omega,    .  . 
Ante-Communion  Service, 
Annunciation, 
Apostolical  Succession,  . 
Ascension  Day,    .    .  . 


Burial  of  the  dead,  .  .117 
Britain,  the  Church  in,  .  7 

c 

Candles  163 


Baptism  of  Infants,   .    .  84 
"      "      "  Author- 
ity for,  87 
"      "      "  Objec- 
tions to,  91 
"      "      '•  Private,  94 

"  Adults,    .  . 
"  Modes  of,  .    .  .100 
Benedictus,      .    ■    •    •  33 

Benedic  S6 

13enedicite  33 

Bishops  14 

"      Authority  of,    .  15 
' '      Consecration  of,  1 30 
Duties  of,    .    .  130 
Body  and  blood  of  Christ,  78 

Bonum  est  55 

Rowing  at  the  name  of 

Jesus  38 


39 


Catechism,  the,    .  . 
Cantate,  .... 
Church,  Episcopal,  . 
"  Books  on  the,  . 
"  of  England,  ori- 
gin of,    .  . 
"  "  Rome,    .  . 

 Errors  of, 

"    Greek,      .  . 
"    Catholic,    .  . 
"    "  Distinguishing 
principles  of,  . 
"    Militant,    ...  70 
"    Expectant,     .    .  70 
"    Triumphant,  .    .  70 
"    Seasons,    .    .  .136 
Collects  in  Morning  Trayi  r  42 
Collect  for  Peace,     .    .  43 
"      "  Grace,     .    .  44 
"  Civil  Rulers,  44 
"  Bishops  and 
Clergy,    .    .  45 
"      ■'  All  Conditions 

of  Men,  .  .  45 
"  of  St.  Chrysostom,  51 
"  for  Evening  Prayer  57 
"  "  Peace,  ...  57 
"     "Aid  Against 

Perils,      .    .  57 


18 


INDEX. 


Collects,  Epilstles,  and 
Gospels  for  Sundays 
and  Holy  Days, 
Christian  Unity,  .    .  . 

Christmas,  

Circle  

Circumcision  

Confession,  General, 
Confirmation,  .... 
Colors,  Ecclesiastical,  . 
Commandments,  the 

Ten  ;  why  used, 
Communion,  the  Holy,  . 

of  the  Sick, 
"        "  Saints,  . 
Council  of  Nice,  .    .  . 
Consecration  of  Church- 
es  

Cremation  

Creed,  The,  .... 
"  Apostles,  .  .  . 
"  Why  necessary,  . 
"    Why  repeated  in 

public  worship, 
"  Nicene  


Crown, 


Deacons,  Ordination  of, 
Deus  Misereatur,  .    .  . 

Divorce  

Dove,  


Eagle,  

Easter,  

English  Reformation, 
Epistles  of  the  N.  T., 
Episcopal  Church, 
Evening  Prayer,  . 
Extemporaneous  Prayer 
Epiphanv,  


Eucharist,  . 
Ember  Days, 


Fathers,  Authority  of 
the  

Fasting  

Feasts  and  Fasts,      .  . 

Flowers  

Forms  of  Prayer,  au- 
thority for, 
  Objec- 
tions to, 

Forgiveness  of  sins, 


General  Thanksgiving, 

the,  

Gifts  of  the  wise  men,  . 

Gloria  Patri  

Gloria  in  Excelsis,    .  . 
Gospe's,  the  ;  how  they 
came  to  be  written,  . 
Good  Friday  

H 

Heresy  

Holy   Communion,  the 
office  of,  .  . 
"       "  Nature  and 

purpose  of,  . 
"       "  Objections  to 
receiving  it,  . 
Humble  Access,  Pravsr 

of  

Holy  Ghost  

I 

Immersion,      .  . 
Incarnation,  .... 


Jubilate, 


INDEX. 


Kneeling, 


Lamb,   1 66 

Lessons,  the,    ....  29 

Lent,   147 

Litany,  the,      ....  59 

Lights   163 

Lion,   168 

Liturgy   78 

Lord's  Prayer,      ...  26 
"        "  by  Priest  alone,  65 

M 


Magnificat, 
Mass, 

Matrimony, 
Matins,  . 
Man,  .  . 
Ministry,  three  orders  of 

the  

Morning  Prayer,  office  of 
N 

Name  of  Jesus,  why  bow 


at, 


New  Testament,  ...  30 
Nunc  Dimittis,     .    .    .  55 

O 

Oblation  73 

Offertory  68 

Old  Testament,  ...  30 
Ordinal,  Preface  to  the,  .  119 
Ordination,  .  .  .  .122 
Ornaments,  Church,    .  . 

Ox  168 

P 

Prayer  Book,  ....  1 
"  "  Origin  of,  .  6 
"         "of  the  Church 

of  England,  7 


Prayer,  Why  offered 

in  the  name 
of  Christ,     .  32 
' '       for  Civil  Rulers,  44 
"        "  Bishops  and 

Clergy,  .    .  45 
"        "  All  Condi- 
tions of  Men,  45 
"        •'  the  Church 

Militant,  .    .  70 
Extemporan- 
eous,    .    .  4 
Precom  posed,  2 
Presentation  of  Christ  in 

the  Temple,  .    .    .  145 

Pelican  16; 

Priests,  ordination  of,    .  127 


Reformation,   the  Eng- 
lish  

Regeneration,  .  .  . 
Rogation  Days,  .  .  . 
Rubrics,  


Saints'  Days,    .    .  . 
Sentences  at  beginning 
of  the  service,  . 

Schism  

Septuagesima,  .  . 
Sick,  Visitation  of  the 

Sponsors,  in  Baptism, 
Suicides,  .... 
Song  of  the  three  Holy 

Children,  .  .  . 
Symbols,  Ecclesiastical 

Evangelical, 
Seasons  of  the  Church 

Year  


192 


INDEX. 


T 

Te  Deum,   32 

Thanksgiving,  the  Gen- 
eral,   5* 

Trisagion   72 

Transubstantiation,    .    .  79 

Triangle   166 

Transfiguration,            .  15° 

Trinity   158 

U 

Unity,  Christian,.     .     .  46 


Venile,  .... 

Vespers  

Vestments,  Clerical,  . 

"  Eucharistic, 
Visitation  of  the  Sick, 

W 

Whitsun  Day,      .  . 


t 


iiiiii 


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